Micah Parsons is expected to return to practice this week, a move head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed to reporters Monday. It’s a huge step for the star defender who has been sidelined, but don’t get too hyped for a game day return just yet.
The “Process” Back to the Field
LaFleur was clear about the team’s “intention” to get Parsons back on the practice field, but he also stressed it’s going to be a real “process.” His return is totally dependent on how things go over the next couple of days. The Packers had meetings and a walk-through on Monday after their win against the Panthers last Thursday night. Parsons, though, spent that time with trainers, which explains why he hasn’t been officially designated to return yet. It sounds like they are being super careful, and frankly, that’s smart. You don’t rush a player of Parsons’ caliber, especially after what he’s been through.
The 21-Day Waiting Game
Even with Parsons hopefully back at practice, Green Bay isn’t planning on throwing him into a game immediately. The club is set to use a good portion of the 21-day window they have to activate him off the physically unable to perform list. LaFleur said it’s “pretty fluid” how Parsons responds and progresses, but if he had to bet, he’d say the return would be “more toward the longer end than the shorter end” of that window. Parsons suffered a torn ACL late last season, so taking it slow is definitely the right call. Multiple reports over the weekend are already circling Week 12 for his return to play, which would be the “Thanksgiving Eve” game against the Rams in Los Angeles.
So, while seeing Parsons back at practice is massive, we’re all going to be waiting a bit longer to see him making plays on game day. That Week 12 target date against the Rams is what we are looking forward to.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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