Packers' Micah Parsons Reportedly Expected to Play Week 1 vs. Lions amid Back Injury

Newly acquired Green Bay Packers star edge rusher Micah Parsons is still dealing with a back injury.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Parsons has been hindered by an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back.

Although his status for the Packers' 2025 season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sunday is somewhat in doubt, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Parsons is expected to play:

Parsons, who was acquired last week in a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Cowboys, practiced with the Packers on Monday as he tries to push to be ready for the season opener.

Before being sent to Green Bay, Parsons sat out the entire preseason with Dallas and didn't participate in practice during training camp while holding infor a new contract. He cited back tightness as the reason for his continued absences. He passed his physical with the Packers for the trade to be completed, and he was signed to a four-year, $188 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history

Parsons is joining an already strong Green Bay defense that ranked sixth in the NFL last season with 315.6 yards allowed and 19.9 points allowed per game. The 26-year-old has recorded 12 or more sacks in each of his first four seasons in the NFL, earning four straight Pro Bowl appearances along the way.

Facing the Lions in Week 1 will be an early test for the Packers as they try to establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders this year. They will certainly be hoping to have Parsons on the field on Sunday, but keeping him healthy over the course of the season is far more important.