Brandon Beane simply does not sleep. Hours after the final 53 man roster was set and episode 4 of Hard Knocks premiered, the Bills started working on their practice squad by signing S Sam Franklin Jr.
This comes after Franklin was cut by the Denver Broncos following training camp after signing with them in the spring. He brings with him experience at both linebacker and safety, but most importantly, a wealth of special teams snaps. This also reunites him with current Bills ST Coordinator Chris Tabor when they were together in Carolina.
Read below for a full injury history of Sam Franklin Jr. and analysis.
Injury History
2020 Carolina Panthers
Ankle injury, Week 10, missed 2 games.
2021 Panthers
No publicly reported injuries.
2022 Panthers
No publicly reported injuries.
2023 Panthers
Quadriceps injury, Week 11, missed 0 games.
Illness, Week 15, missed 0 games.
Quadriceps injury, Week 15, missed 0 games.
2024 Panthers
Foot fracture, preseason, placed on IR, missed 7 games.
Franklin suffered a foot fracture during the team scrimmage on July 27. In the video below, it’s not clear which side was fractured as athletic trainers appear to be working on both feet. This forced him to injured reserve for seven games before being activated.
2025 Denver Broncos
No publicly reported injuries.
Buffalo Bills Injury Analysis
A veteran of 74 NFL games, Franklin brings with him a ton of experience that could translate well to this Buffalo Bills special teams unit. On top of his vast experience on special teams, Franklin also has some defensive chops, once returning an interception for 99 yards for a touchdown during the 2023 season.
Looking at his injury concerns, there aren’t many as the only notable injury was a broken foot at the start of last year with Carolina. This forced him to injured reserve and saw him miss seven games. A broken foot is not concerning at all as he was fully healed and able to return to play last season.
Otherwise, there isn’t any information as to the exact details of his ankle or quad injuries. This appears to be a pretty healthy player that has a defined role, excelling at his position.
I do like this signing due to the fact this allows the Bills to allocate more resources to special teams without sacrificing quality depth as a reserve option on the practice squad.
I would like to welcome Sam Franklin Jr. to Buffalo and to remain healthy this summer.
Top Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman
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