WESTFIELD, Ind. — Colts veteran middle linebacker Zaire Franklin is on his way back.
Franklin, a Pro Bowler last missed the first week of practices at Grand Park as he continued to recover from offseason surgery to clean up his left ankle.
The Colts decided to avoid putting Franklin on the physically unable to perform list, reasoning that the middle linebacker would be back soon.
Franklin was back in uniform for the first time on Saturday, although he’s clearly still working his way back. The Colts middle linebacker went through positional drills, but he did not play in a team setting.
“He’s really done a great job with the meeting time,” defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. “He knows what’s going on, he knows what to do.”
Franklin, who has recorded more than 166 tackles in each of the past three seasons, is the only proven player at linebacker for the Colts, and Indianapolis would like to have its defensive leader on the field as the Colts install the scheme.
“It’s a little bit different,” Anarumo said. “You’ve got your helmet on, you’re standing in front of the huddle and you’re making the calls.”
Former Cincinnati linebacker Joe Bachie has been vital in Franklin’s absence, stepping into the middle linebacker spot and providing a voice that already has plenty of experience in Anarumo’s defense.
Bachie spent most of his Bengals career as a special teamer, but he has looked good in the linebacker spot, particularly in coverage.
“Joe’s done a good job, had another interception today,” Anarumo said. “I have the utmost confidence in Joe.”
But even Bachie knows that as soon as Franklin’s back, he will be the man in the middle for Indianapolis.
Saturday’s return to individual drills was the next step.
“The fact that he’s back to the point he’s at from a rehab standpoint, I’m pleased,” Anarumo said. “I’m not worried about him picking it up and moving forward.”
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