Micah Parsons Injury Update as Packers HC Gives Optimistic Answer on Return Timeline

Green Bay Packers superstar Micah Parsons is getting closer to his long-awaited return from last season's torn ACL.

Head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters on Monday he's hoping the dynamic edge-rusher returns to practice next week:

Parsons, 27, was traded by the Dallas Cowboys to the Packers ahead of the 2025 season and was having a fantastic debut season, registering 41 tackles (12 for loss), 12.5 sacks, 27 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a pass defensed in 14 games.

But he tore his ACL during a December matchup against the Denver Broncos, ending his season and calling into question when he would be able to return for the 2026 campaign.

The Packers could use him back. The team is tied for 15th in the NFL with 16 sacks on the season, though the pass defense has been solid in general (208 YPG, ninth in the NFL). Still, the team finds itself last in the loaded NFC North despite being 4-3 overall and has gone just 1-2 against its divisional rivals thus far.

Next week would make for a logical potential return point, at least to practice. Because the Packers play on Thursday night this week against the Carolina Panthers, they'll have a longer runway before a Week 9 contest against the New England Patriots. But the team also has a Week 11 bye, which means Parsons' return to game action might be delayed until Week 12.

"At the end of the day, that's the medical," LaFleur told reporters about how it will be decided to clear Parsons for practice. "I'm itching at it though, for sure."

And clearly his return inches closer.