Green Bay Packers Rumors: Injuries Open the Door for Johnathan Franklin

Green Bay Packers rookie RB Johnathan Franklin had a mixed performance in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Franklin was electric through the first three quarters, but he also coughed up a fumble during the fourth quarter that was returned for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a way back into the game.

If Green Bay had been able to hold out for the victory, Franklin would have been the hero - he rushed for over 100 yards (including a dazzling 51-yard sprint) and a touchdown, and he looked more dangerous than either James Starks or Eddie Lacy had so far this year. Because Cincinnati capitalized on his fumble and rallied back for the win, the reviews of Franklin's game have centered more on that moment rather than the 3 and a half quarters that came before it.

In his weekly interview on the Green Bay Packers website, Mike McCarthy sounded enthusiastic about Franklin's performance and what it meant for his future with the team:

"It allows him to get more opportunities. Johnathan has done a good job preparing for his rookie season. I’ve been really happy with his progress. He’s done some good things on special teams." McCarthy said. "Eddie Lacy and James Starks have had more opportunities than Johnathan, but he took advantage of his chance in Cincinnati. He just needs to get healthy because he will definitely get another opportunity."

Read More:

Full Green Bay Packers Injury Report (9/23/2013)

Video: Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers argue on the sidelines

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