Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons confirmed he won't return until at least mid-October as he recovers from a torn ACL and meniscus suffered in December. The five-month post-surgery timeline puts his earliest practice return in late September, with game action likely delayed further.

Parsons sustained the left knee injury against Denver on Dec. 14 and underwent surgery Dec. 29. His initial hope of returning within the first month of the 2026 season proved unrealistic. The Packers are following a strict nine-month recovery protocol, prioritizing long-term health over early returns.

The injury derailed Green Bay's 2025 campaign after they traded Kenny Clark and two first-round picks for Parsons last August. The Packers sat at 9-3-1 before his injury but dropped their final four regular-season games and lost to Chicago in the playoff opener.

Parsons emphasized his focus on completing the season and making a playoff push rather than rushing back prematurely. He's currently using an anti-gravity treadmill in rehabilitation and maintains regular communication with GM Brian Gutekunst, coach Matt LaFleur, and head athletic trainer Nate Weir about his recovery progress.