Franklin plays a significant role on special teams, appearing on 78% of the unit’s snaps this season. The Bills are scheduled to announce their game-status designations after Friday’s practice.
### Bills Manage Several Injuries
Franklin is among several Bills players on the injury report. Starting right tackle Spencer Brown did not practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Cornerback Christian Benford, tight end Dalton Kincaid, and linemen Alec Anderson, Dion Dawkins, and Connor McGovern were also listed as limited.
### Safety Depth Chart Shifts
Franklin has played just one defensive snap this season and sits near the bottom of the safety depth chart. His standing could remain unchanged after Buffalo acquired veteran safety Amani Hooker and a fifth-round pick from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a second-round pick shortly before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The Bills strengthened a position group that had been a concern, but also parted ways with veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson after his one-game suspension ended. Buffalo had used Damar Hamlin and practice-squad safety Geno Stone in his place.
Hooker said he expects to be ready for Sunday’s game. He noted that adjusting to Buffalo’s defense would involve learning its terminology and how it handles different formations.
The Bills enter the matchup as heavy favorites and have an opportunity to improve to 7–1 and extend their lead over the New England Patriots in the AFC East.
