With the Green Bay Packers eliminated from the postseason, everything has pivoted to how this team will make a run in 2026. With head coach Matt LaFleur expected to return, a major talking point will be Micah Parsons' rehab and return from a torn ACL.
Parsons spoke to the media on Monday and gave a positive outlook on a potential return date. The former Penn State standout says he doesn't anticipate starting next season on IR, but Week 1 may not be realistic. Instead, he stated that Week 3 or 4 is the more likely timeline, per Ryan Wood of USA Today.
Micah Parsons Sets 2026 Timeline for Return
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reported that Parsons said he's "flying" through his rehab so far. Although he tore his ACL on Dec. 14 against the Broncos, the 26-year-old has attacked his recovery, and it appears it is paying off in a big way.
Parsons has been documenting his journey on social media, which showed him riding a bike just one week after undergoing surgery. These steps, in combination with his statement on a possible return date, are encouraging. Ever since he suffered the injury, Parsons has maintained that he plans to be on the field early in 2026, and he finally gave a timeline that he thinks is realistic.
By the time Week 3 or 4 rolls around, Parsons will be nine months post-op. Players have been able to return from these injuries in the same timeline that Parsons is suggesting, but the team typically eases its guys back in. Considering how major an injury this is, there's no benefit to rushing a guy back, especially one of Parsons' caliber.
Nonetheless, Parsons will be approaching this rehab with full force this offseason, with eyes set on an early-season return. The Packers are a team that wasn't able to recover from Parsons' loss. They ended the season on a five-game losing streak, with the defense allowing 30 points or more in three of those games.
He's a superstar off the edge and put that on display this season. Parsons compiled 41 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles en route to a First-Team All-Pro nod. In addition, he had 79 total pressures and 51 QB hurries.
Parsons is an irreplaceable piece on the defensive line, and Green Bay isn't the same team without him. He knows that. The Packers know that. And their fans know it.
The next couple of months will all be about Parsons making strides in his recovery. The team's plan with him for training camp will be interesting when the time comes. Regardless, Parsons is on a mission and wants to let everyone know he wants to return to action in September. Whether or not he's able to achieve that will be a storyline that's watched very closely.