Micah Parsons to Miss First Four Games of 2026 Season, Targeting Mid-October Return From ACL Surgery
The Packers edge rusher, acquired last August, will miss at least the first four games while following a nine-month recovery protocol.
ESPNGreen Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons said he will not return to practice until late September and is likely to miss at least the first four games of the 2026 season while recovering from left-knee surgery. Parsons sustained the injury on December 14 against the Denver Broncos. He underwent ACL reconstruction that also included a meniscus procedure on December 29.
As of June 3 he was just past the five-month mark from that operation. The Packers follow a strict nine-month recovery protocol for ACL injuries. Parsons said he will not be cleared to practice until that mark, placing the earliest possible return to the field in late September.
ESPN reported that his first possible game action would come after several weeks of practice. Parsons is expected to open the season on the physically unable to perform list. Placement on the PUP list automatically keeps a player out for at least the first four games.
If he begins the year on the list, he would be eligible to return to practice ahead of the Week 5 game against the Chicago Bears. Players coming off PUP status have a three-week window in which they can practice without being added to the active roster. The Packers play the Dallas Cowboys, Parsons’ former team, in Week 6 on October 2026.
Parsons told reporters at the team facility on June 3 that his initial hope of returning within the first month of the season was never realistic. “The goal for me is to complete the season -- not no relapse -- and playoffs and pushing towards a championship,” he said.
He added that the goal has always been availability for the playoffs and that he and the organization are aligned on that timeline.
He noted that research shows no good outcomes for players returning early from ACL surgery, especially when additional procedures are required. He has added running on an anti-gravity treadmill to his rehabilitation. Parsons said he remains in regular contact with general manager Brian Gutekunst, coach Matt LaFleur and director of sports medicine Nate Weir.
