Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin returned to the practice field on Thursday ahead of the team’s matchup with Buffalo.
After playing 100 percent of the defensive snaps on Sunday night against Minnesota, Franklin did not practice on Wednesday. He was listed on the injury report with an ankle injury.
Later this afternoon, we will find out if Franklin returned as a full or limited participant.
Through the Colts’ first nine games of the season, Franklin ranks second on the team in solo tackles and is first in total tackles. He’s been very reliable in that regard this season, with a missed tackle rate of just 7.6 percent, according to PFF.
Franklin would record his first interception of the season in the red zone this past Sunday versus the Vikings as well–not to mention that he is the signal caller and lead communicator in the middle of the Colts’ defense.
The Colts’ defense right now, including the linebacker position as a whole, is in the midst of playing its best football over these last four games, ranking eighth in EPA/play, ninth in dropback EPA, and 10th in rush defense EPA.
This week, the Colts’ defense will be tasked with having to contain the high-scoring Buffalo offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen.
