Clock is ticking: Micah Parsons’ absence until mid‑October threatens Green Bay Packers’ playoff hopes

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Packers linebacker sidelined for tough opening stretch of 2025 season

Micah Parsons was supposed to help Green Bay win right away. But with his $188 million price tag, he won’t be available until mid-October, leaving the Packers to open the season without their top pass rusher.

During OTAs, Parsons said he’s not expected to practice until nine months after his ACL surgery. The procedure on Dec. 29 also included meniscus work, so that puts him out until around Sept. 29 and lines up a return in mid-October.

Green Bay starts the season with a trip to Minnesota on September 13, followed by games against the Jets, Falcons and Buccaneers. Parsons won’t be available for any of those fixtures.

It’s a tough start for a team that’s already dealing with changes on defence. Jonathan Gannon is settling in as the new coordinator, and depth behind Parsons was thin even before his injury. The Packers now have to find a way to get through the first month without their top player and defensive anchor.

Taking the cautious route is the right approach

Parsons spoke about his decision in terms of long-term health, saying, “there’s no good outcomes with players coming back early from an ACL, especially if you had other things that had to get fixed up.”

The medical data agrees with him. Pushing a return from a combined ACL and meniscus repair can turn into a much bigger issue down the line. And given what Green Bay gave up to bring him in – plus the $188 million contract – they’ve got every reason to take it slow, even if it means a tough start to the season.

Green Bay started 2025 strong, posting a 9-3-1 record before Parsons’ injury. But once he was sidelined, the team dropped its final four games and a wild-card matchup without him – a stretch that could easily repeat itself.

If they can stay afloat early on, his return in October could give them exactly the kind of lift needed for a playoff push. But if they fall behind early, the narrative around the trade could quickly turn negative before he’s even suited up.