Carolina Panthers safety Sam Franklin out indefinitely with broken foot

The Carolina Panthers have lost safety Sam Franklin for an indefinite amount of time after he suffered a broken foot in training camp. Panthers head coach Dave Canales revealed that Franklin suffered his injury on Saturday, informing the media during his press conference on Monday.

Though the former Temple star could return later in the year, he’s expected to be out for an extended period as the team continues working toward their first preseason game. Canales opened up about the loss on the defense on Monday.

“You can’t replace Sam Franklin. But this is a good opportunity for guys to step up,” Canales said, via Kassidy Hill.

Franklin, an undrafted free agent out of Temple, has spent the first four years of his career with Carolina. The team signed him to a new one-year deal for the 2024 season in March, inking him to a contract worth $2.575 million.

The safety has made nine starts on defense while also heavily contributing to the special teams. Last season, he had 30 tackles, as well as a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown. His pick-six came off of former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. It was the longest interception return for a touchdown in franchise history.

Over the first four seasons of his career with the Panthers, Franklin has posted 97 tackles with one interception, one sack, 5.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

Injury bug hits Panthers at training camp

As expected, the injury bug has begun hitting the Carolina Panthers after the first week of training camp. Along with Franklin’s potential season-ending injury, the team also saw wide receiver Daewood Davis go down in practice on Monday.

The Panthers signed Davis, a UFL sensation, to add to their depth at wide receiver this offseason. He was spectacular in the new UFL — the spring football merger of the XFL and USFL. He played for the Memphis Showboats, catching 41 passes for 446 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games.

Dave Canales revealed after practice on Monday that Davis suffered a thigh injury. His timeline for return to play is currently unclear.