Franklin (foot) was placed on the Panthers' injured reserve list Tuesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
Franklin broke his foot on July 29 and has been sidelined since. He was expected to play a big role on Carolina's special-teams unit prior to the injury. It is unclear where his timeline for recovery stands, but the 28-year-old will be eligible to return Week 5 versus the Saints if his health allows it.