Packers hoping for healthy Franks in 2006

By David Murray | Thursday, July 13, 2006 | ( 0 )

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Injuries played a huge role in decimating the Green Bay Packers in 2005, and Bubba Franks certainly endured his share of the misfortune in a very disappointing campaign.

Ironically, the 6-6 265-pound tight end, who was a first-round pick out of Miami by the Pack in 2000 (14th overall) had not missed a game in his first five seasons in the league and had started in 88 straight, including the playoffs. A three-time Pro Bowler between 2001-2003 and one of Brett Favre's favorite targets, Franks signed a seven-year, $28 million contract last August and seemed poised for a monster year in '05.

Unfortunately, things don't always work out the way they're drawn up on the chalkboard, or the way they're supposed to.

Franks suffered a torn knee ligament against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 and didn't return to full speed until Week 6. By that time, injuries had taken a toll, and the Packers were 1-5. Receiver Javon Walker had gone down with a knee injury in the opener, and in a devastating Week 4 Monday night loss to the Carolina Panthers, no less than six Packers--Ahman Green, Mike Flanagan, Chad Clifton, Na'il Diggs, Terrence Murphy and Earl Little--had to be helped off the field.

Sadly, the worst was yet to come for Franks and the Packers in a lost season. At 2-8, the Pack traveled to Philadelphia and lost another tough game. They also lost Franks when he was hit hard in the neck area by Eagles safety Brian Dawkins and had to be carried off on a stretcher with what looked to be a very serious injury.

Amazingly, Franks was back on the field against the Chicago Bears one week later, but another tough shot delivered by linebacker Lance Briggs sent him out of action again. This time Bubba Franks was done, and would not return again in 2005.

For the season, Franks caught just 25 passes with one touchdown. He appeared in just 10 games, and caught a pass in just seven of those contests. His stats paled in comparison with his great years, and there were lingering concerns about his health. When draft time rolled around, there was widespread speculation that the Packers would use the fifth overall pick to take Vernon Davis, the high-impact tight end from Maryland.

By this time, however, the Packers had a new head coach and a new offensive coordinator in Jeff Jagodzinski, who had spent five seasons as the Packers' tight ends coach from 1999-2003. If anybody knew Franks, it was Jagodzinski, the man who had helped his career take off like a rocket. The Packers used their top pick in the draft to select Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk, and suddenly it was apparent that Franks figured highly in the team's plans for a much-improved 2006 season.

Indeed, hopes are high for the coming season and the Packers are trying to leave behind the nightmare known as last year in a hurry. If Franks can return to his Pro Bowl form, the Pack may well be back in '06, and Brett Favre is going to be one happy quarterback.

- Did you know that we cover all 32 NFL teams as well as Division I college football? Get more on Bubba Franks and the rest of the Packers at Realfootball365.com

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