Micah Parsons will have to wait for another opportunity to face his former team as the Green Bay Packers host the Dallas Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football.” The star edge rusher has yet to make his season debut after suffering a serious knee injury late last season.
Parsons joined Green Bay in a blockbuster trade with Dallas before the 2025 season, and Sunday’s game was one of the most anticipated games on the Packers’ schedule. However, his recovery has taken longer than initially hoped, and the Packers will have to continue playing without their best defensive player.
Micah Parsons Is Still Recovering From a Torn ACL and Meniscus
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Micah Parsons.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Parsons has not recovered sufficiently from a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee. He sustained the injuries on Dec. 14 during the Packers’ 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos.
The 27-year-old remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and has not been cleared to return to practice. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters on Oct. 12 that the team is waiting for medical clearance before Parsons can resume practicing (via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky).
Parsons had hoped to return for the Week 6 matchup against Dallas, but he has emphasized that his recovery is more important than facing his former team. Speaking on his podcast, “The Edge with Micah Parsons,” he explained that he wants to address the smaller details of his rehabilitation before returning to action.
Micah Parsons Could Return Later in the Season
Although Parsons will miss Sunday’s game, there is still optimism about his return in the coming weeks. The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported that Nov. 8 against the New England Patriots appears to be the earliest realistic return date, although nothing is certain yet.
In addition to Parsons’ absence, Green Bay’s defense is also dealing with season-ending Achilles injuries to linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks in 14 games during his first season with the Packers last season, and the Packers will hope he can be back in time to strengthen their defensive unit.
