WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin got back to practice for the first time during training camp.
He had missed every training camp practice before Saturday, recovering from an offseason ankle surgery.
Franklin participated in individual and position drills, but did not compete in full team drills.
His new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo talked about incorporating Franklin back into the defense.
“He’s really done a great job with extra meeting time and he knows what’s going on. He knows what to do,” Anarumo said. “But, it’s a little bit different. You got your helmet on. You’re standing in front of the huddle and you’re making the calls.”
Despite not taking part in any team segments of practice on Saturday, Anarumo is happy with where Franklin is at in his recovery.
“Again, we’re still really early in camp and the fact that he’s at the point he’s at from a rehab standpoint, I’m pleased,” Anarumo said. “And I’m not worried about him picking it up and moving forward.”
Franklin returns to a linebacker group that are all competing for a starting job alongside Franklin.
“I love the competition that’s going on in there and all that will sort itself out as we get through these joint practices that we’re having,” Anarumo said. “And the good news is, I believe we’ll come out of it with a deep room. I want to be able to use those guys, whatever their strengths may be, to the best of our ability. I feel like all of them at some point will help us.”
Franklin has been a Colts captain for the last five seasons (2020-2024).
He had 173 tackles last season, which led the NFL. He also had five forced fumbles and six passes defended. He made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, and was selected to the All-Pro second team.
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