(Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Newly acquired Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons is battling a back issue that could impact his availability for Sunday’s season opener against the Detroit Lions. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Parsons has an L4/L5 facet joint sprain and may require an injection to help him take the field at Lambeau.
Before last week’s blockbuster trade, the Dallas Cowboys had Parsons on a treatment plan that included a five-day course of prednisone — an anti-inflammatory steroid — along with physical therapy to address what was initially described as “back tightness.” The Cowboys then dealt the four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro to Green Bay in exchange for two first-round picks and All-Pro defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
The Packers quickly rewarded Parsons with a four-year, $188 million contract extension that includes $120 million fully guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at $47 million per year.
Limited Debut in Green Bay
Parsons practiced with his new team for the first time on Monday, though he was listed as a limited participant. Whether he plays Sunday remains uncertain, but if he does suit up, it would be just eight days after the stunning trade.
His arrival has already sent a jolt of energy through Green Bay’s locker room. Left tackle Rasheed Walker, who played alongside Parsons at Penn State, didn’t hide his excitement.
“I think it upped our chances by a lot,” Walker said. “We got a solid pass rush across the whole line. I don’t think no one’s gonna be able to throw the ball like that on us. It’s gonna open up opportunities for our DBs and our offense. Micah’s gonna have a good presence on the field.”
Defensive end Rashan Gary, who leads the Packers with 39 career sacks but has never hit double digits in a season, sees Parsons’ addition as a game-changer.
“It’s scary. It’s for sure scary with the pieces we have,” Gary said. “Talking to him today, we’re kind of similar in terms of mindset. So it’s going to be scary for teams, for sure.”
Cornerback Nate Hobbs went even further, calling Parsons a “generational talent” whose presence could alter how quarterbacks approach Green Bay’s defense.
“On those rushing downs, the ball’s probably going to come out quicker,” Hobbs said. “When you put a guy like Micah Parsons on the other side, guys lose the rep before the rep starts.”
High Stakes in Week 1
The Packers’ staff will closely monitor Parsons’ status for Sunday as they prepare to face their NFC North rival Detroit in a pivotal opening matchup. His potential debut comes with sky-high expectations, but Green Bay may have to manage his workload carefully as he adjusts to both a new team and his back injury.
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