Packers RB Johnathan Franklin’s Neck Injury Career-Threatening?

Rob Demovsky of ESPN, citing two people with knowledge of the situation, writes that the Packers are concerned that the neck injury that placed RB Johnathan Franklin on injured reserve could be career-threatening.

• Demovsky adds that the sources said Green Bay would put Franklin through additional tests to determine if “it’s safe for him to continue playing.”

This news is troubling for Green Bay, and Franklin in particular.  Any injury to the neck area is delicate, and it sounds as though the Packers will ensure that Franklin checks out medically before taking the field.

The second-year back out of UCLA was selected in the fourth-round in 2013, three rounds after Green Bay selected RB Eddie Lacy. The Packers likely envisioned Franklin as an ideal compliment to Lacy, who runs with a downhill style.

Franklin was set to compete with RB James Starks for the primary back-up position.  He did see some time as a punt and kick returner as a rookie, so he could see the field on special teams as well.

Franklin registered 19 carries for 107 yards in eleven games played in 2013.