Packers' Micah Parsons Discusses Knee Injury Recovery Timeline, Reveals Target Date

While the Green Bay Packers may have ended their season in disappointing fashion, star edge rusher Micah Parsons provided some optimism for the future.

Parsons spoke to reporters on Monday about his recovery from a torn ACL, revealing that he's targeting a September return in 2026 with hopes of being on the field for the season opener.

"I don't think I'll be on IR, I'll say that, to start the season," Parsons told reporters. "I think, lofty, I'd be saying Week 1, but realistically, probably like Week 3, Week 4."

Parsons tore his ACL in Week 15 and was forced to undergo season-ending surgery. He indicated that he's progressing well in his recovery, saying, "They say I'm flying, so whatever that means."

In his first year in Green Bay after being traded from the Dallas Cowboys, Parsons played in 14 games and produced 41 total tackles, 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He's recorded at least 12 sacks in each of his five years in the NFL.

Without Parsons available down the stretch, the Packers ended the regular season with four straight losses to finish with a 9-7-1 record. Green Bay met the NFC North rival Chicago Bears in the NFC Wild Card Round on Saturday and surrendered an 18-point lead in a 31-27 loss.

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Despite the disappointing finish to the year, Parsons is choosing to look on the bright side. He also declared that he expects the Packers to retain defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who has been requested for five head coaching interviews.

"No, Haf ain't going nowhere," Parsons said.

The Packers intend to keep head coach Matt LaFleur, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, so they will have to figure out a way to return to title contention in the competitive NFC. Getting Parsons back would certainly improve Green Bay's chances of fighting for a spot in the Super Bowl next season.