Micah Parsons Injury Update, New NFL Rumors on Packers Star's Timeline for Season Debut

Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons' eligibility to come off the PUP list in Week 5 doesn't mean he'll be making an immediate return to his team, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero reported Saturday on his Substack Parsons "isn't expected to return to practice next week" because he "just isn't ready."

"While there have been no setbacks, it's possible that the five-time Pro Bowl selection won't play in a game until November," Pelissero reported.

Parsons suffered a torn ACL alongside meniscus damage in his left knee last December. He underwent reconstructive ACL surgery Dec. 29.

Parsons' PUP placement mandated his absence for the first four games of the season, a stretch that will wrap up Sunday with a Week 4 matchup at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said earlier this week Parsons would not be joining his team for practice ahead of a Week 5 matchup against the visiting Chicago Bears.

"No setbacks. Just part of the process," LaFleur said Monday. "He's got to get cleared before we can let him get out there."

The upcoming game against the Bears is followed by a Week 6 reunion with Parsons' former teammates on the Dallas Cowboys. Parsons told reporters in August he saw that matchup as a "very realistic" return date.

Parsons added at the time he and his trainers would have to "put the work in" in order to continue rehabilitating from his surgery.

Waiting until November to return, which would give Parsons a full 11 months to recover from his ACL surgery, indicates Parsons could be back in the lineup at the earliest for a Week 9 game at the New England Patriots.

The Packers then play the visiting Minnesota Vikings in Week 10 before taking a Week 11 bye.

Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks in 14 games of his first campaign with the Packers before going down with his season-ending injury.

The Packers could use the boost Parsons would add to their pass rush after a 1-2 start to the season, but waiting until Parsons is fully healthy will be key to making sure the star defensive end is available down the stretch of his four-year, $188 million contract.