Packers begin 2026 season without Micah Parsons

The Green Bay Packers will begin the 2026 NFL season without star edge rusher Micah Parsons, who confirmed Wednesday he will not be ready for Week 1 as he continues his recovery from a significant knee injury. Parsons, speaking at a team-organized media session, outlined a timeline targeting a mid-October return to the field.

Parsons suffered a torn ACL in a Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos last December and underwent surgery on Dec. 29. He also revealed he underwent an additional procedure to address his meniscus. Citing team medical protocols and data on recovery outcomes, Parsons emphasized a strict nine-month rule before returning to game action, which would point to a return no earlier than late September. He stated the goal is longevity and completing a full season, including a playoff run, rather than rushing back for the early schedule.

Because of this timeline, Parsons is expected to begin the season on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, which would sideline him for at least the first four games. This makes a debut in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears or, notably, in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys—his former team—a more realistic target. The Cowboys...