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Packers Lose Franklin, McDuffie Takes Over Signal-Calling

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 2:36 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Zaire Franklin Out

Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin is ruled out for the Lions game after a shin collision.
Defensive captain Isaiah McDuffie will assume green-dot signal-calling duties in Franklin’s absence.
Quarterback Jordan Love completed full practice, confirming his availability for Sunday’s matchup.
Rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse plans to start despite a recent shoulder and neck stinger injury.
Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness is listed with limited participation because of an illness.

Summary

John Williams Starts

Sean Rhyan left the Packers’ game against the Lions with an ankle injury in the first quarter.
Backup center Jacob Monk exited later with a quadriceps injury, making his return doubtful.
John Williams started at center despite never having snapped in an NFL game before.
Williams helped a 74-yard, 12-play drive that tied the game at 7-7.

History

Historical Context

During the 2000 NFL season—Packers’ 80th year and Mike Sherman’s debut as head coach—Green Bay finished 9-7, missed the playoffs and ranked 15th in both offense and defense, exposing depth concerns. The current wave of sidelined players mirrors that earlier crisis, when starter Brett Favre and the line struggled, forcing reliance on untested backups.

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Zaire Franklin Out

Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin is ruled out for the Lions game after a shin collision.
Defensive captain Isaiah McDuffie will assume green-dot signal-calling duties in Franklin’s absence.
Quarterback Jordan Love completed full practice, confirming his availability for Sunday’s matchup.
Rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse plans to start despite a recent shoulder and neck stinger injury.
Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness is listed with limited participation because of an illness.

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