Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin will miss Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Detroit Lions after he suffered a shin injury during practice on Thursday. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Friday that the veteran defensive captain has been ruled out.

Franklin's absence creates another challenge for Green Bay's defense, which has already lost starting linebacker Edgerrin Cooper for the season because of an Achilles tendon tear. Cooper suffered the injury in Week 4, leaving the Packers without both of their Week 1 starting linebackers for the trip to Detroit.

LaFleur indicated that Franklin is not expected to require injured reserve, which would force him to miss at least four games. However, the team is still assessing the severity of his injury.

The 30-year-old has been a key contributor through six games, leading the Packers with 48 tackles and ranking second on the team with 15 stops, according to Pro Football Focus. He has also played 414 defensive snaps this season.

With Franklin unavailable, Isaiah McDuffie and Ty'Ron Hopper are expected to take on larger responsibilities. McDuffie has started in Cooper's place over the past two weeks, while Hopper, a 2024 third-round draft pick, could receive an opportunity to play a more regular defensive role. Nick Niemann and veteran special-teamer Kristian Welch are also options for the linebacker rotation.

Green Bay will face a big test against the Lions' running game, led by running back Jahmyr Gibbs. He has recorded 504 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, ranking fifth in the NFL in rushing yards and tied for second in rushing scores. He has also produced 27 receptions for 243 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

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Detroit's offense is averaging 32.8 points per game, tied with the Buffalo Bills for the league lead. The Lions have also exploited McDuffie in the past as quarterback Jared Goff completed all nine passes thrown toward the linebacker in their 2024 meeting, producing 68 yards and a touchdown in the team's 34-31 win.

The timing of his latest injury could hardly be worse for Franklin, as the Packers are scheduled to play on Thursday Night Football in Week 8, potentially extending his absence to a second game. It would be a rare setback for the defender, who had missed only one game throughout his NFL career before the latest setback.