Micah Parsons ‘flying’ through ACL rehab, hoping to be back by Week 3-4

Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is still targeting September of 2026 for his return to the field.

Parsons, who tore his ACL on Dec. 14 and had surgery to repair the injury on Dec. 30, believes a realistic target for returning is Week 3 or Week 4 in 2026.

Advertisement

“So far they say I’m flying, so whatever that means,” Parsons said Monday “But there’s a timing standpoint they want, but I don’t think I’ll be on IR to start the season. I think lofty, I’d be saying Week 1, but realistically, probably like Week 3, Week 4. Just to make sure and just getting back to football. Practicing hard. Getting ready to sustain, taking my body through what I go through. It’s more that so I play free and go. I have to learn to simulate that in practice before they send me out there on the field. It’s more that so I feel like myself.”

Parsons said he will be rehabbing in Green Bay for 2-3 more weeks, then heading to Dallas and Florida for parts of the offseason to continue rehabbing with other specialists.

Parsons produced 12.5 sacks and 83 pressures over 14 games in 2025, his first season in Green Bay. He was named a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro.

The early parts of rehab from surgery have been exhausting.

Advertisement

“It’s super challenging, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” Parsons said. “It’s the most challenging thing that I think I’ve ever faced as a human. Talk about the pain, can’t sleep, can’t move around…I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night. My body is tired. My mind is tired. I’m exhausted, man. But it’s going to be worth it once I can move and play again.”

Parsons said he’s spoken with several teammates, including Christian Watson, who came back better than ever from ACL surgery, about the recovery.

One final line from Parsons: “I don’t expect a drop off. I’m going to work so hard. I think I’ll be better than what I started with.”

Hear more from Parsons below:

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Micah Parsons ‘flying’ through ACL rehab, hoping to be back by Week 3-4