Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons is targeting a mid-October return to the field after undergoing knee surgery in late December, according to USA Today's Ryan Wood.
Parsons revealed Wednesday that he underwent a procedure to "clean up" his meniscus in addition to his ACL repair. The 27-year-old added that he's prioritizing his long-term health as opposed to rushing a return to play.
"We have a pretty strong nine-month rule. It's just all about ... the research and the data," Parsons said. "There's no good outcomes with players coming back early from an ACL (tear), especially if you're having other things getting fixed up."
Parsons has been expected to push the Packers toward Super Bowl contention since being acquired in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys last August. The All-Pro edge rusher's debut campaign in Green Bay ended prematurely when he injured his left knee Dec. 14 in a game against the Denver Broncos.
Despite being limited to 14 contests in 2025, he became the first player in league history with at least 12 sacks in each of his first five seasons.
In the aftermath of Parsons' injury, Green Bay lost its final five games, including a wild-card matchup versus the Chicago Bears.
Over four seasons with the Cowboys, he only missed five regular-season games.
The five-time Pro Bowler could be a candidate to begin the 2026 season on the PUP list, which would sideline him for a minimum of four games. While it's unlikely that Parsons will be available for the start of the regular season, he remains confident that the Packers can compete in his absence.
"The goal isn't for me to go out there and re-hurt myself, trying to force myself to be back in the first few games. The goal has always been playoffs," he said.
If Parsons' timeline holds true, he could be back in the lineup when Green Bay hosts the Bears on Oct. 11 or when the Cowboys visit Lambeau Field on Oct. 18.
