Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons will not practice this week and his return for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys remains uncertain, according to team reports.
Packers Exercise Caution With Recovery Timeline
Green Bay coaching staff confirmed that the timeline for Parsons’ return from a left knee injury remains open-ended. While team officials maintain hope that the star defender can rejoin active game-day rosters during October, no specific return date has been finalized as rehabilitation continues.
Parsons sustained a torn left anterior cruciate ligament on Dec. 14 during a matchup against the Denver Broncos. Medical staff performed corrective surgery on Dec. 29, initiating a lengthy recovery process that has kept the linebacker off the field.
Defensive Impact and 2026 Season Outlook
The Packers acquired Parsons from the Cowboys in a high-profile blockbuster trade. During the 2025 campaign, Green Bay posted a 9-3-1 record with Parsons anchoring the defensive front. At the time of his injury, he had accumulated 12.5 sacks and led the entire NFL with 64 quarterback pressures.
Without Parsons available for the remainder of last season, the Packers struggled to secure victories down the stretch. Head coach Matt LaFleur’s squad enters this week’s contest holding a 3-2 record through the early stages of the current season.
Injury Updates Around the League
In other NFL injury developments from the weekend, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. exited Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a rib injury. According to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, the injury is not considered overly serious, leaving open the possibility that Penix could start under center Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Falcons head staff indicated that a final determination regarding the starting quarterback will depend on participation levels during team practices throughout the week. Penix absorbed a heavy hit from Ravens defender Tavius Robinson late in the fourth quarter on Sunday.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stepped in relief duty for the remainder of regulation and took snaps during overtime. Tagovailoa threw a critical interception that sealed a 30-23 extra-session defeat for Atlanta. Prior to his departure, Penix completed 19 of 32 pass attempts for 240 yards and one touchdown.
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