Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons is targeting a return on Thanksgiving Eve against the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network. Parsons has not played since Week 15 of last season when he tore his ACL and meniscus against the Denver Broncos. The Packers, who improved to 5-3 with a 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers this week, plan to have Parsons return to practice in the coming week, starting with individual drills ahead of Week 9 and progressing to team drills before Week 10. Green Bay has a Week 11 bye before facing the Rams on Wednesday, November 25. If Parsons plays, it will mark nearly a year since the injury and nearly 11 months since his surgery, which included an ACL reconstruction and a full meniscus repair.
Impact of Parsons' Absence and Return
After arriving from the Dallas Cowboys via a blockbuster trade last year, Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks in 14 games despite joining the team days before the season opener. The Packers' defense ranked fifth in yards per play allowed through the first 15 weeks of last season but fell to 26th from Week 16 onward following his injury. Their season ended with a wild-card loss to the Chicago Bears. This season, the defense initially struggled without Parsons but has improved significantly under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Since Week 4, Green Bay ranks third in yards per play allowed and leads the NFL with 13 forced turnovers. Adding Parsons would provide a major boost in the highly competitive NFC North and for the team's playoff push.
Playoff Outlook
Despite a 5-3 record, the Packers sit last in the NFC North. SportsLine currently gives Green Bay a 61% chance to reach the postseason. Parsons' potential return could be a decisive factor as the team navigates the second half of the season.
