Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that edge rusher Micah Parsons will not play Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys as he continues recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus.
Parsons has remained on the physically unable to perform list all season and has yet to practice. He was eligible to begin on-field work after Week 2 but has not been medically cleared.
LaFleur said the team is waiting for doctors to give the go-ahead.
“As soon as they give us the green light, he’ll be out there,” LaFleur said. “That hasn’t happened yet, but I think we’re getting closer.”
The 27-year-old suffered the injury on Dec. 14, 2025, during a loss to the Denver Broncos. He underwent surgery on Dec. 29, placing him roughly 9½ months into recovery. The Packers typically keep players sidelined at least nine months after ACL procedures.
LaFleur emphasized the need for full readiness before Parsons returns.
“He’s a physical specimen, he’s a creature of nature for sure and sometimes you’ve gotta make sure that your body is [in sync],” LaFleur said. “You don’t want one leg to be that much stronger than the other leg is what I’m getting at.”
Parsons, acquired in a 2025 trade from Dallas, recorded 12.5 sacks, 27 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss in 14 games last season before the injury. He became the first player in NFL history to post at least 12 sacks in each of his first five seasons.
The Packers enter the Cowboys game at 3-2 after a 31-7 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. They rank second in the NFC North behind the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.
Parsons said during training camp that a return against his former team felt “very realistic.” That timeline has slipped, and the Packers do not expect him to open his 21-day practice window this week.
Once cleared, Parsons will need time to ramp up in practice before playing. LaFleur noted that extensive testing precedes any medical clearance, followed by a period to regain football shape.
The team has not ruled out a debut later this month, though a return against the Detroit Lions in Week 7 remains uncertain. Parsons has increased his rehab work in recent weeks.
On his podcast this week, Parsons said he would play if it were the Super Bowl but prefers to address underlying issues first to avoid compensatory injuries. He stressed that recovery involves more than the ACL itself.
The Packers’ defense has managed without Parsons so far, ranking in the middle of the league in points allowed. His return would add a proven pass rusher who led the NFL in pressures last season.
Green Bay faces Dallas on Sunday night at Lambeau Field. Parsons’ absence means the Packers will continue relying on their current edge group for another week.
