Green Bay’s star pass rusher may finally be close to taking the next step in a long recovery. The Packers have waited all season to see him back in pads.
Micah Parsons could return to the practice field next week, more than 10 months after surgery on his left knee, the Packers head coach suggested Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.
What did the Packers say about Micah Parsons?
For weeks, the coach had given a quick and firm no when asked whether Micah Parsons would practice soon. This time, he said he certainly hopes so.
He acknowledged the change in his answer, saying the final decision belongs to the medical staff but that he is eager to see Parsons back. He added that there is a chance. It was the first time the coach had sounded optimistic about a timeline.
What happened to Micah Parsons’ knee?
Micah Parsons tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee on Dec. 14 of last year and had surgery two weeks later. The injury happened late last season, ending his first year in Green Bay early.
He remains on the physically unable to perform list. Once a player on that list returns to practice, the team has three weeks to either add him to the active roster or place him on injured reserve. That rule gives teams a limited window to evaluate players returning from serious injuries.
An ACL tear typically requires nine months to a year of recovery, and many players need additional time to regain their explosiveness. Teams often bring players back slowly to reduce the risk of setbacks.
When could Micah Parsons play?
Even if he practices next week, it is highly unlikely he would play in Green Bay’s game at the New England Patriots on Nov. 8. Players coming off long layoffs usually need several practices to get back into football shape.
The Packers have no regular practices this week because they play the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, so opening his practice window now would not have made sense.
After the Patriots game, Green Bay hosts the Minnesota Vikings and then has a bye. That schedule could allow the team to hold Parsons out until its first game after the bye, at the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams game would come more than 11 months after his injury.
Why does Micah Parsons matter so much to Green Bay?
The Packers acquired Parsons in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 and signed him to a record contract extension for a player who is not a quarterback. The deal sent defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two picks in the first round to Dallas.
He was among the league’s most feared pass rushers before the injury, regularly posting more than 10 sacks a season. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021.
Green Bay’s defense has struggled with penalties, including eight roughing the passer calls in seven games, and injuries. Linebacker Zaire Franklin has a hairline fracture in his leg, according to reports. The defense has missed his ability to pressure quarterbacks without extra blitzers.
The Packers have four wins and three losses after a loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The team remains in the hunt in a competitive division.
What comes next?
The medical staff will decide when Parsons is ready. For now, the coach’s change in tone has given fans reason for optimism. Any decision is likely to be cautious given his long future with the team.
A return by Micah Parsons later this season could give Green Bay a major boost for a playoff push.
