Colts’ Zaire Franklin Penalized by NFL for Late Hit
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has been fined $11,593 by the NFL for a late hit in the third quarter of last week's win against the Arizona Cardinals.
After an incomplete pass attempt from Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett while targeting tight end Elijah Higgins, Franklin came in late and delivered a big hit on Higgins that resulted in a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down for Arizona.
This was Franklin's first fine for a late hit this season. A second offense would cost him $6,000 more, so the Colts captain will likely try to avoid another dock to his paycheck.
Franklin, who is in his eighth year, had a performance to forget against the Cardinals. He finished as the Colts' lowest-graded player, per Pro Football Focus.
Franklin has 37 total tackles, one sack, and three passes defended on the season. His 37.7
The Colts have been dealing with linebacker issues all season long, and the team just cut Joe Bachie a few days ago. Indy signed Germaine Pratt last week, and he had a decent showing in his first game as a Colt, leading the team in tackles with 11.
The Colts need Franklin to step up his game as the secondary deals with endless injuries. After earning a Pro Bowl nod last season, it's known that Franklin can play good ball. Indy just hasn't seen his full potential this year.
Franklin's late hit on Higgins kept a stalling Cardinals drive alive, and they eventually scored a touchdown to take the lead late in the third quarter. Indy cannot afford costly penalties that ruin any defensive momentum, especially with such an injury-riddled group.
Franklin's next test will come against the Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert. Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo knows that his defense is playing substitutes across the board, so Franklin's role will be imperative to success on Sunday.
When the Colts last faced the Chargers in December 2022, Franklin tallied nine total tackles and one sack in a loss. A similar performance from the long-time Colt is needed to help power a sixth victory of the season against Los Angeles.
Packers Get Murky Josh Jacobs Injury Update Ahead of Cardinals Game
The Green Bay Packers enter Week 7 with a 3-1-1 record with a road game against the Arizona Cardinals.
While the Packers were hoping that wide receiver Christian Watson would make his season debut this weekend, he was ruled out on Friday as he waits at least another week to make his return from a torn ACL.
Entering the weekend, the Packers also had a big injury question about running back Josh Jacobs.
Jacobs was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report with a calf injury and an illness, and Adam Schefter of ESPN dropped an update late Saturday night.
“Packers RB Josh Jacobs, listed as questionable for Sunday due to illness and a calf injury, is now being considered a “true game-time decision” for Sunday’s matchup vs. the Cardinals, per source. The team says it does not expect to know whether he can play until Sunday. If Jacobs is unable to play, Packers RB Emanuel Wilson would be the expected starter,” Schefter wrote on X.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also reported a similar statement shortly after Schefter.
“Packers standout RB Josh Jacobs, dealing with an illness and a calf strain, is up in the air regarding his status on Sunday, per me and @TomPelissero. Whether he plays will be determined pre-game.”
If Jcobs can’t go, it looks to be Emanuel Wilson who will start. Wilson has just 18 carries for 84 yards this season.
Josh Jacobs Played Sick In Week 6
Sam Hodde/GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 28: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
In Week 6, the Packers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 27-18. In that game, Jacobs had 18 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns.
To make it even more impressive, Jacobs admitted he was sick during the game and was throwing up.
“Throwing up during the game, after,” Jacobs said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. “I really don’t know where it came from. I just kind of woke up this morning just not feeling my best. But I told ’em, the last time that I felt that way, I had 130 (yards) and two touchdowns. So it is what it is.”
Yet, he was able to be efficient despite the illness.
Packers Made a RB Move on Saturday
Jacobs did practice fully on Friday, but the latest reports from Schefter and Rapoport cast some doubt on whether or not he will suit up.
To put that even more into question, the Packers elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad earlier on Saturday.
While it could be nothing, bringing up another running back one day before the game is an interesting move, especially given Jacobs’ injury and illness.
This season, Jacobs has 359 yards with six touchdowns on 98 carries, and he is the only Packers RB with more than 100 yards, so not having him available would be a tough blow.
