Green Bay Packers Expect Micah Parsons to Return to Practice Next Week
The star edge rusher has been sidelined for over ten months following a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee.
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is expected to return to practice next week, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a severe knee injury. NFL insiders reported that the team is planning a measured ramp-up period, meaning his actual game debut may still be a few weeks away as the medical staff ensures his knee is fully stable.
Parsons has spent the current season on the physically unable to perform list. The star player suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee on December 14, undergoing surgery shortly after. Without his presence on the field, the Packers have navigated a challenging stretch, holding a record of four wins and three losses following a recent 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Head coach Matt LaFleur signaled a shift in tone regarding the timeline for the edge rusher. When asked earlier in the week if Parsons could practice soon, LaFleur offered a more optimistic response than in previous weeks, stating, "I sure hope so." He emphasized that the ultimate decision lies with the team's medical staff, adding, "I'm saying there's a chance."
Due to a short week leading into their matchup against the Carolina Panthers, the Packers did not hold regular practices, delaying the start of his official return window. Industry analysts note that even if Parsons begins practicing next week, he is unlikely to play in the Week 9 road game against the New England Patriots.
Once Parsons is officially activated to practice from the physically unable to perform list, Green Bay will have a three-week window to add him to the 53-man roster or place him on injured reserve. Speaking on his podcast, "The Edge with Micah Parsons," the defender explained that his deliberate recovery is meant to avoid secondary injuries. "If the Super Bowl was this week, I'm playing in the Super Bowl," Parsons said, noting the importance of fixing smaller supporting mechanics to prevent overcompensation issues.
Aside from his own recovery updates, Parsons recently made headlines by predicting the Cincinnati Bengals to secure the top regular-season spot in the AFC. Speaking on his Bleacher Report show following the Bengals' comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Parsons praised Cincinnati's consistent play, strong receiving duo, and aggressive pass rush.