
Micah Parsons is getting closer to returning to the field, giving the Green Bay Packers a reason for optimism as they prepare for their Week 9 game against the New England Patriots. The star pass rusher has been sidelined since tearing his ACL last season, and his absence has kept one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive players out of Green Bay’s lineup for the opening stretch of the season.
Parsons suffered the injury during Green Bay’s Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos last season. He underwent surgery on Dec. 29 to repair the ACL in his left knee and also had a meniscus procedure. The recovery process has taken longer than initially hoped, with the Packers keeping him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
However, it appears the All-Pro defensive end will be back on the field soon. Head coach Matt LaFleur revealed Monday that the plan is for Parsons to return to practice later this week (h/t Matt Schneidman of The Athletic). LaFleur had previously said there was a chance Parsons could begin practicing, while emphasizing that the final decision depended on medical clearance.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that Parsons was expected to start with individual drills before progressing to team work if his recovery continued without setbacks.
Matt LaFleur says the plan is for Micah Parsons to practice later this week.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 2, 2026
Green Bay is expected to use the practice period to assess his readiness and gradually increase his workload. With the Packers’ bye week coming in Week 11, the Thanksgiving Eve game against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 25 has emerged as a potential target for his return. The priority remains ensuring Parsons is ready to handle the physical demands of an NFL game before activating him.
Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 14 games during his first season with Green Bay in 2025.
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