It appears that a neck injury will end tailback Johnathan Franklin’s career with the Packers.
According to multiple media outlets, Packers coach Mike McCarthy indicated Thursday that Franklin will no longer play for the club.
“He will not be back with us,” McCarthy said, calling the development “unfortunate news,” according to Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com.
A fourth-round pick of the Packers in 2013, Franklin rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in 11 games as a rookie. In his most extensive action, Franklin racked up 126 combined rushing-receiving yards and a touchdown in a loss at Cincinnati.
According to Wilde and other Packers reporters, McCarthy said official news on Franklin’s future will be announced on Friday.
UPDATE 4:17 p.m. ET: Franklin has announced he won’t play in 2014, and he also indicated his career beyond this season could be over.