Carolina Panthers safety Sam Franklin will miss an extended period of time after breaking his foot, head coach Dave Canales said Monday.

Franklin, 28, sustained the injury at practice Saturday, said Canales, who expects him to return during the season.

“You can’t replace Sam Franklin. But this is a good opportunity for guys to step up,” Canales said.

One of the team’s core special teams players, Franklin has started nine of 64 games in his four seasons in Carolina at linebacker and safety. He has 97 tackles for his career, including 30 last season when he recorded his lone interception, which he returned 99 yards for a touchdown in a 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.