Micah Parsons will sit out Sunday night’s matchup against his former team as he continues recovering from a torn ACL, and the Green Bay Packers edge rusher says he has no interest in a revenge storyline.
Parsons remains on the physically unable to perform list with his practice window still closed. The Packers host the Cowboys at Lambeau Field in Week 6 on NBC at 8:20 p.m. ET.
“So many people wanted me to be back for that game to make the game bigger than what it was,” Parsons said on his podcast “The Edge with Micah Parsons.”
“It’s just another Sunday Night Football game against two good teams. It’s not about me. I think that probably let people down. ‘Oh, Micah, he’s going to want to be back for the Dallas game.’ No, I’m in that phase of life where I just wanna be healthy again. That’s it. I don’t care about the team I left or the team they think I want my revenge against. I don’t need revenge. I just need two healthy knees to do what I love to do.”
Parsons tore his left ACL and damaged his meniscus on a non-contact play Dec. 14, 2025, against the Broncos. He underwent surgery Dec. 29 and is roughly 9½ months into recovery. The Packers typically hold players out at least nine months after ACL surgery.
Coach Matt LaFleur said the team is still waiting for medical clearance.
“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.”
LaFleur added that balance between the legs remains a focus.
“You don’t want one leg to be that much stronger than the other leg.”
Parsons said he would play if the Super Bowl were this week but wants small issues addressed first to avoid a compensatory injury.
“It’s like, what’s the point of getting me back for four weeks and then next thing you know, my groin is bothering me,” he said.
Green Bay acquired Parsons from Dallas in August 2025 in a deal that sent defensive tackle Kenny Clark and first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to the Cowboys. Parsons then signed a four-year extension worth about $186 million.
The teams tied 40-40 in their only previous meeting since the trade, a Week 4 game last season in Dallas. Parsons recorded one sack and three tackles in that contest.
The Packers enter at 3-2 after a 31-7 home win over the Bears. Dallas is 2-3 following a 24-16 home loss to the previously winless Buccaneers.
Dallas ranks near the bottom of the league defensively, allowing 395.4 yards per game (31st) and a league-worst 168.4 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys have not recorded an interception in five games.
Green Bay’s run game has struggled, totaling only 302 yards this season. Without Parsons, the Packers’ pass rush lacks its top edge presence as both teams look to gain ground in the NFC playoff picture.
Parsons previously called a return against Dallas “very realistic” during training camp. That target is now off the table, and a November debut appears more likely once the practice window opens and he ramps up.
LaFleur has described Parsons as a “physical specimen” whose body needs to be in sync before he returns. The Packers want him fully ready for the stretch run rather than risk a setback.
Parsons’ focus remains on long-term health over any single game, even one against the team that traded him after a contentious contract dispute.
