Micah Parsons makes Packers practice debut; Week 1 status uncertain due to back sprain, per report

New Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons made his practice debut on the heels of an offseason-defining trade, but there is reportedly a level of uncertainty surrounding his status for Week 1. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former Dallas Cowboys edge rusher has been dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back and may need to take an epidural injection ahead of Sunday’s season opener against the Detroit Lions.

The Cowboys were well aware of Parsons’ injury before they shipped him off to the Packers as he had missed training camp due to his recovery — and because of his drawn-out contract negotiations. Schefter reports that Dallas prescribed him a five-day plan of prednisone to combat his back tightness and that the Cowboys placed him in a physical therapy program. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said just ahead of the trade, though, that Dallas cleared Parsons for practice.

Parsons was healthy for nearly the entirety of his four-year run in Dallas and missed just four games during his tenure, all of which came last season when he sat out with a high ankle sprain.

The Cowboys and Packers completed the blockbuster trade on Aug. 28, sending Parsons to a conference foe at the end of a tense and lengthy contract standoff. Parsons requested a trade out of Dallas on Aug. 1, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones moved on from the star less than a month later, bringing an end to a saga that effectively began in 2023 when Parsons began his search for a long-term deal.

Parsons finally got his mega-contract, but it came instead with the Packers. He arrived in Green Bay with an agreement to sign a four-year, $188 million deal that includes $120 million guaranteed.

Parsons debuts at Packers practice

Reporters got their first look at Parsons in a Packers practice jersey Monday when he hit the field with his new teammates. His ramp-up period after missing camp in Dallas will be expeditious with Green Bay’s season opener now less than a week away.

Not only did Monday’s practice offer an initial view into Parsons’ fit with the Packers, but it also marked the return of the No. 1 jersey to the Green Bay facility. The three-time All-Pro edge rusher is the first Packer to wear the number since 1926 when Curly Lambeau, the team founder, former player and coach was the first — and until now, the only — player to suit up with a No. 1 on his back.

The jersey is not formally retired, but its near decade-long dormancy essentially guaranteed that it would take a certain caliber of player to bring it back to life.

Packers rave about Parson’s arrival

Green Bay blitzed at the second-lowest pace in the NFL last year and finished in the bottom half of the league in quarterback knockdown rate, but bringing a superstar into the mix on the edge makes the Packers’ defensive front much more fearsome. In his four years as a pro, Parsons has never finished a season with fewer than 12 sacks. He averages just over 13 sacks and 15.75 tackles for loss per year and forced nine fumbles in his time in Dallas.

“He’s a great player,” Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper said after Monday’s practice. “Extremely explosive and stuff like that. We’re just adding another great guy to the pass rushing. … Nightmarish for the offensive side of the ball. I feel like [defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley] is gonna have a pretty fun time with us. Ready to look towards that.”

Part of the package Green Bay sent to acquire Parsons was defensive lineman Kenny Clark, an eight-year starter and nine-year veteran who was a stalwart up front for the franchise. Defensive lineman Rashan Gary called it “bittersweet” to see his old teammate depart and for Parsons to arrive as his replacement.

“His play speaks for itself,” Gary said. “His name speaks for itself. I feel like the sky’s the limit for him. The sky’s the limit for our defensive line group. Can’t wait to see him go.”