Micah Parsons, the Green Bay Packers’ four-time All-Pro edge rusher, is officially set to return to practice this week. That’s right, one of the league’s most disruptive forces is stepping back on the field, a massive development for the Packers and every team they’ll face down the line.
Parsons’ Return: Hopeful But Not Immediate
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur dropped the news Monday, saying the intention is for Parsons to get back to work. But don’t go celebrating a full return to game action yet. LaFleur called it a “process,” stating it’s all “dependent on the next couple of days.” Remember, Parsons, who’s 27, started the regular season on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his ACL last December. Before that devastating injury, the high-profile trade acquisition from the Dallas Cowboys had racked up an insane 12.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in 2025. Yeah, that kind of talent.
While getting him back to practice means he could theoretically hit the active roster and be eligible to play in Sunday’s contest in Foxborough against the New England Patriots, it’s not a done deal. Rob Demovsky of ESPN spilled the tea last week, noting it would be “highly unlikely he could play in the Week 9 game at the Patriots” even with practice. And NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has a targeted return date of November 25 against the Los Angeles Rams. LaFleur basically confirmed that longer view on Monday, saying things are “pretty fluid” and if he had to bet, it’d be “more toward the longer end than the shorter end.” So, while he’s back, it’s a careful ramp-up.
Why This Is Huge News, Even If He Sits Out Sunday
Let’s be real, the Patriots are probably breathing a huge sigh of relief knowing Parsons isn’t expected to suit up this Sunday. Even if he’s not at 100%, this guy has the raw ability to make game-changing plays that can wreck an offensive line. And New England’s O-line? They’ve been through it this season with injury questions. They’ve already lost both of their starting guards to injury, plus both of their tackles have been banged up at some point. That’s rough, man.
For Sunday, the Patriots are looking at Will Campbell and Morgan Moses holding down the tackle spots. Then, two guys from Ben Brown, Matt Pryor, or Walter Rouse will be flanking center Jared Wilson at the guard positions. Imagine Parsons lining up against that group, even a slightly limited version. It’s a nightmare scenario. So, while they might catch a break this week, the clock is ticking for future opponents who will definitely have to deal with the Parsons problem soon enough.
The kickoff between these two storied franchises is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 8. Even without Parsons disrupting plays, it’s going to be a battle to watch how that banged-up Patriots O-line holds up against the Packers’ pass rush. Keep an eye on the sidelines for number 33, because his full return is looming.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
Leave a Reply