Micah Parsons’ Injury Update
Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons is currently dealing with a facet joint sprain in his back and may require an epidural injection to participate in the upcoming season opener, according to a league source.
Prior to his trade from the Dallas Cowboys to Green Bay last week, Parsons, 26, was prescribed a five-day regimen of prednisone to help reduce inflammation around irritated nerves and tissues in his back. The Cowboys also initiated a physical therapy program for him, as noted by the source.
Trade and Contract Details
This season marks Parsons’ fifth year in the NFL, following a high-profile trade to the Packers amid contract negotiations with the Cowboys. Recently, he signed a lucrative four-year extension with Green Bay, valued at $188 million with $136 million guaranteed. This deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, averaging an annual salary of $47 million.
Preparation for the Season Opener
As the season opener against the Detroit Lions approaches, Parsons has been participating in practice. Despite his back issue, he has not suggested that he will miss the Week 1 game. During his introductory news conference on Friday, Parsons expressed confidence in his condition.
“Physically, I’m great,” Parsons said. “I think I can contribute a lot. I’m going to team up with the doctors in creating a plan. We already talked about how we can ramp things up and get me into a flow where they feel comfortable and I feel comfortable. But my plan is to be here. They didn’t give up what they gave up for me to sit on the sidelines and make this big of a risk and change for me to do that, so I’m going to give them my all.”
Teammate Insights
Rasheed Walker, a left tackle for the Packers and a former teammate of Parsons, commented after Monday’s practice that Parsons participated in some 11-on-11 drills but was limited. He added,
“He said he was gonna be more full-go Wednesday and Thursday, so yeah, he gon’ have to come see me.”
If Parsons returns to full participation by the latter half of the week, it will be a positive sign for his availability in the season opener. While he may not carry a typical workload due to his injury and limited practice time, it would be unexpected for him not to take the field at all.
