Latest Micah Parsons update gives Packers full clarity before Week 1 divisional showdown against the Detroit Lions

The Green Bay Packers expect edge defender Micah Parsons to play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, in the team's regular season opener against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. According to NFL Network's insider Ian Rapoport, Parsons will have a limited role, but should be available in some capacity. Officially, he’s listed as questionable to play.

Instead of moving Parsons around, the Packers will focus their efforts on maximizing his snaps as a pass rusher.

"Parsons, by the way, is expected to make his debut for the Packers on Sunday against the Lions, sources say, despite a facet joint sprain in his back that left him limited in practice this week and questionable on Friday's injury report.

"It won't be a full complement of plays, however, and Parsons likely will focus on rushing the passer (as opposed to moving around the defense). There will be a ramp-up period to make sure when he does play fully and is integrated, his body is ready." — Ian Rapoport.

Parsons' back issues

Parsons has an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back, which forced him to miss a significant portion of training camp for the Dallas Cowboys. However, he has practiced on a limited basis since being acquired by the Packers last week.

“Suddenly, Micah Parsons walks into the building, and it’s game week, and my mind starts going 100 miles an hour thinking of all the ways you can use him,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said on Thursday. “You just have to be careful. When he’s able to go, I think we just need to gradually build into those opportunities and not rush anything. It’s important, like I’ve always said, to put your players in position to make plays. As we get a feel for him and what he can do, we’ll continue to build and go from there. But to tell you all the different ways I can use him? One, I’m not going to do that. Two, I think we’ll evolve and figure it out as we go. He’s obviously capable of doing a lot of different things and affecting many areas of the field, and I’m very excited that he’s here.”

The Packers have strong depth at edge defender, with Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness expected to play big roles within the defense. Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox can also be in the rotation. Rookie fourth-round pick Barryn Sorrell is questionable with a knee injury.

The Packers acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. It makes sense to slowly involve him, especially because Green Bay will have a short week before facing the Washington Commanders on Thursday night.