Packers RB Johnathan Franklin Ends Career Because of Injury

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers running back Johnathan Franklin's NFL career is over after a neck injury he suffered last November.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy made the announcement after Thursday's final minicamp practice. Franklin joined the team as a fourth-round pick out of UCLA last year and was injured on a kickoff return against Minnesota on Nov. 24.

Franklin carried 19 times for 107 yards and a touchdown as a rookie last season. His biggest game came at Cincinnati on Sept. 22, when pressed into action because of injuries to Eddie Lacy and James Starks. Franklin carried 13 times for 103 yards but lost a fourth-down, fourth-quarter fumble that was returned by the Bengals for what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown.