Packers Lose Recently Acquired Parsons to ACL Tear

The Green Bay Packers will be forced to finish the 2025 season without their most crucial defensive asset, as star pass rusher Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL during their Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos. The injury happened during a pivotal first-and-10 play in the third quarter, when Parsons aggressively pursued Broncos quarterback Bo Nix but planted awkwardly on his left leg, resulting in the devastating tear.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Parsons is expected to delay surgery until after December 25. "Generally, there's a little bit of a wait to allow the area to strengthen before undergoing surgery," Rapoport explained on NFL Game Day Saturday. Despite the setback, Parsons is projected to make a full recovery within nine months, which ideally places his return around the start of the 2026 NFL season.

Given that the 2026 season is anticipated to kick off on September 10, this recovery timetable suggests that Parsons could miss at least the first three games of his sophomore campaign with the Packers. However, recovery timelines for ACL injuries can vary, meaning he might be sidelined longer.

Last season, the Packers faced a similar challenge when wide receiver Christian Watson tore his ACL late in Week 18 on January 5. Watson returned to action 294 days later during a Week 8 game on October 28, highlighting the cautious and methodical nature of ACL rehabilitation. If Parsons follows a comparable recovery path and undergoes surgery no earlier than December 26, his return might not come until mid-October, likely around Week 6 of the 2026 campaign.

This extended absence will undoubtedly be a major blow to the Packers’ defense, forcing the coaching staff to rely on depth players and adjust their defensive schemes until Parsons can rejoin the lineup at full strength. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping for a smooth rehabilitation process that allows Parsons to come back strong and continue impacting the field.

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Target Audience/ Goal : 

My target audience for this article are Packers fans interested in the latest news regarding the team and its players. My goal for this article is to inform the reader of the injury to Micah Parsons.