The Green Bay Packers suffered a tough loss on Saturday, but got some positive news two days later. Star pass rusher Micah Parsons said Monday he could recover from his torn ACL in time to play in Week 1 of next season.
Parsons said a Week 1 return was a possibility, but added that Week 3 or 4 would be a more realistic date for his return. He said he was told he was completing rehab “on the fly”.
Parsons had this to say about his return:
“They want a point in time. But I don’t think I’m going to be on IR, I’d say that, to start the season. I think high, I’d say Week 1. But realistically, probably like Week 3 or 4. Just to make sure and get back on the football field, just practice hard and be ready to put my body through what I’m going through.”
He added that he needs to find a way to simulate the intensity of games in training so that he can feel like himself once activated next season.
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Parsons also addressed Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, whose job security was subject to rumors following the team’s 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round.
Despite rumors that LaFleur’s job is in jeopardy, the Packers are reportedly hoping to reach a contract extension with their head coach. Parsons fully supports the decision and gave LaFleur a vote of confidence on Monday.
Parsons said LaFleur’s performance with the Packers played a big role in Parsons’ hopes of being traded to the team.
The Packers will eagerly await Parsons’ return next season. After losing its star pass rusher, the team fell to 0-5 in the final seconds. The team’s normally stellar defense has collapsed without Parsons, giving up at least 30 points in three of the last five games. During this period, the Packers also experienced two fourth-quarter losses against the rival Bears. In addition to the team’s wild-card loss to Chicago, the Packers also lost to the Bears in Week 16 thanks to a punt recovery, a fourth-down touchdown and a score in overtime. This is a very disappointing development for a team that started 9-3-1.
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With Parsons and LaFleur back, the Packers will once again be considered a contender in the suddenly tough NFC North. Parsons set a career-high in points in his first season in Green Bay, and things could be different going forward if the star stays healthy.
The Packers hope Parsons can continue his strong play next season and hope his presence can help the team make a playoff run that eluded them in his first year with the team.