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Green Bay Packers: will Micah Parsons play Week 1 vs Lions?

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 3:58 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers are looking to return to domination over the NFC North opponents as they begin the 2025 NFL season with a home game against the Detroit Lions, who have won the division in each of the past two seasons. Last season, the Packers were just 1-5 against the rest of the teams in the NFC North and are just 1-7 against the Lions over the last four seasons.

Fans hope, of course, that this season will be different, especially since the Packers recently acquired three-time All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys. With him as the new defensive anchor, Green Bay hopes to make some definitive noise in not just the NFC North, but the NFL as well.

However, there has been a big question regarding his availability for Week One ever since the trade.

Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons is expected to play vs the Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love reveals what he knew about Micah Parsons trade before it happened 1 Green Bay Packers defensive linemen Karl Brooks (94) and Micah Parsons (1) run through a drill during practice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Clarke Hinkle Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Prior to the trade, Parsons had not participated in any training camp practices or preseason games with the Cowboys. Both he and the team cited a back injury as the reason, but many believed it was because he was holding in for a new contract with Dallas.

And while contract negotiations, and the deteriorating relationship between Parsons and the Cowboys, was certainly a factor in the trade, the injury was also very real.

After the trade, it was revealed that Parsons has a sprained back. The Packers knew about this injury (as they gave him a physical before officially agreeing to the trade and extension), and made the deal anyway.

That being said, many wonder if the four-time Pro Bowler will be able to play on Sunday. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, though, the Packers expect to have their new star on the field:

“Despite the back injury that limited him in practice, he’s expected to be on the field with his new team Sunday afternoon against the Lions, per a source.”

While it is good news that Parsons that will be available on Sunday, it is likely that he will play a limited amount of snaps. He has the back injury and has only been practicing with Packers for about a week.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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