Packers HC 'Certainly Hopeful' Micah Parsons Plays Week 1 vs. Lions amid Back Injury

The Green Bay Packers landed Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys last week, but whether he'll be able to play for his new team in Week 1 is still in question.

Parsons is currently limited with a back injury, but head coach Matt LeFleur said the team is "hopeful" he'll be ready to go for their Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions.

"We'll see. He's doing everything in his power," LeFleur told reporters on Wednesday. "Got to get through a couple practices to see how he responds, but certainly hopeful."

Parsons has been dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back and may take an epidural injection ahead of Sunday's contest, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that Parsons is expected to play.

His former head coach, Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer, said in August that his MRI "came back pretty clean." Upon arrival in Green Bay, Parsons clarified that he feels "great" physically.

"I'm great. I'm gonna talk to the doctors and to formulate a plan," he told reporters. "But they didn't give up what they gave up to have me on the sidelines."

The star pass rusher sat out during the Cowboys' preseason and did not practice during training camp as he awaited a new contract, which he ultimately didn't get with Dallas. Despite dealing with back pain over the last month or so, he passed his physical with the Packers before the trade was completed.

Parsons has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL since he was drafted in 2021, logging 52.5 sacks over his first four seasons. Last year, he racked up 43 tackles, 12 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles despite missing four games.

He'll join a Green Bay defense that ranked sixth in the NFL last season with 315.6 yards allowed and 19.9 points allowed per game, and he should only make the Packers' defense better.

For now, he'll focus on getting back on the field as soon as possible.