The expected worst-case scenario for Green Bay was realized on Monday when an MRI confirmed that Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons tore his ACL during Sunday's 34-26 loss to the Broncos, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Parsons suffered a non-contract knee injury during the second half of Sunday's game when he was in pursuit of Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Parsons took an awkward step on the play, immediately grabbed at his knee and went down. He was helped to the locker room with his arm around a trainer.
"I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated," Parsons Monday on social media. "This injury is my greatest test -- a moment God allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe He walks with me through this storm and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart could carry it. I'm deeply grateful to the Packers organization and my teammates for their unwavering support, love, and belief in me during this season. I trust His timing, His plan, and His purpose. I will rise again."
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur did not paint an optimistic picture of Parsons' status after the game, telling reporters, "It doesn't look good, I'll leave it at that," when asked if Parsons had torn his ACL. Monday's news confirmed the team's fears.
Parsons joined Green Bay just before the start of the season as the headliner of a stunning blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys. Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was on his way to more postseason accolades in 2025, posting 12.5 sacks and 26 QB hits to help lead a Packers squad that is on the cusp of a third consecutive playoff berth.
Green Bay (9-4-1) currently holds the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture and has a 88 percent chance to make the postseason, according to Next Gen Stats.
However, making the playoffs -- and more importantly, making a push to a Super Bowl -- is a much more difficult proposition without Parsons in the fold.
Rashan Gary is currently second on the team in sacks (7.5), and Green Bay will look for greater contributions from edge rushers Quay Walker and Lukas Van Ness, who each have 1.5 sacks on the year.
In their first game without Parsons, the Packers will face off against the rival Chicago Bears (10-4) at Soldier Field on Saturday.
