Tom Pelissero of Netflix and The Ringer reported Saturday that Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is expected to return to practice next week and make his 2026 debut in November.
Pelissero reported that the most likely date is the Thanksgiving Eve game against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 25.
Parsons has not played since he tore the ACL in his left knee on Dec. 14, 2025. The non-contact injury came in the third quarter of a 34-26 loss at the Denver Broncos, and he underwent surgery on the knee more than 10 months ago.
He opened this season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. His first practice would start a 21-day window for Green Bay to activate him to the 53-man roster.
Pelissero first put November on the table four weeks ago.
On Oct. 3, he reported that Parsons had no setbacks in his rehab but was not ready for the Packers to open the window. Parsons had been eligible to come off the list in Week 5.
For weeks, Packers coach Matt LaFleur answered the weekly question about Parsons practicing with a no. His answer changed Tuesday, two days before the Carolina Panthers game.
“I sure hope so,” LaFleur said.
LaFleur stopped short of a guarantee in the same news conference.
“I’m saying there’s a chance,” LaFleur said.
Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 14 games last season, his first in Green Bay. He became the first player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to reach at least 12 in each of his first five NFL seasons.
He has 65 career sacks and five Pro Bowl selections. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him No. 12 overall in 2021.
Green Bay acquired Parsons on Aug. 28, 2025, sending defensive lineman Kenny Clark and first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to Dallas. He signed a four-year, $186 million extension with $136 million guaranteed. His 2026 base salary is $2.387 million.
The Packers are 5-3 without him. They beat the Panthers 27-19 on Thursday at Lambeau Field, where the defense recorded six sacks.
Should Parsons practice next week, the Packers would host the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 15 and then take their Week 11 bye before the Rams game at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff on Nov. 25 is set for 7 p.m. CT on Netflix.
Green Bay plays next at the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is 3:25 p.m. CT.
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