An MRI confirmed that Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during a Sunday game against the Denver Broncos, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
The confirmation came from a person with knowledge of the test results who spoke to the Associated Press on Monday and chose to remain anonymous because the team has not yet announced the findings. The Schultz Report was the first to report the MRI results.
Parsons suffered the injury in the third quarter of a 34-26 loss to the Broncos. The non‑contact tackle occurred as he chased quarterback Bo Nix after getting past right tackle Mike McGlinchey. He fell to the ground, clutching his knee while trainers and teammates rushed to his side.
The loss snapped the Packers’ four‑game winning streak and knocked them out of first place in the NFC North. With a 9‑4‑1 record, the team now trails the Chicago Bears, who sit at 10‑4 at the top of the division.
The Packers will visit the Bears on Saturday for a pivotal NFC North matchup that could determine the division’s fate. The Bears have held the division lead since the season’s start, while the Packers have struggled to maintain momentum after the injury.
Parsons finished the season with 12½ sacks in 14 games, becoming the first player in NFL history to record at least 12 sacks in each of his first five seasons since the league began tracking the statistic in 1982. His production has been a cornerstone of Green Bay’s defensive strategy.
This season marked Parsons’ first year with the Packers. The franchise traded the Cowboys’ 2026 and 2027 first‑round picks and veteran defensive lineman Kenny Clark to Dallas in exchange for the player. In return, the Packers signed him to a four‑year, $188 million contract that includes $136 million guaranteed, making him the highest‑paid non‑quarterback in the league.
Parsons spent four seasons with the Cowboys before a contract dispute prompted him to request a trade. The move to Green Bay was seen as a turning point for both franchises, with the Cowboys receiving future draft capital and the Packers acquiring a dominant pass rusher.
With Parsons out for the remainder of the season, the Packers must find a way to maintain a consistent pass rush. Rashan Gary currently ranks second on the team in sacks with 7½ in the first seven games, but he has not recorded any sacks in the last seven contests.
Gary said after Sunday’s game, “I told him to keep his head up and we’re going to finish strong for him,” adding, “That’s what I told him. I’m going to keep in contact with him throughout what he’s doing. That was my first message to him. It hurt. It hurt.”
In a social media post on Monday, Parsons expressed his resilience, writing, “I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated. This injury is my greatest test — a moment God allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe HE walks with me through this storm and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart could carry it. I’m deeply grateful to the Packers organization and my teammates for their unwavering support, love and belief in me during this season. I trust His timing, His plan and His purpose. I will rise again. I love y’all!”
The injury and its timing have forced the Packers to reassess their defensive strategy, as they face a critical stretch of games without their top defensive asset.
Key Takeaways
- Micah Parsons will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL.
- The Packers’ record is now 9‑4‑1, trailing the Bears in the NFC North.
- Parsons’ 12½ sacks this season make him the first player to reach 12 sacks in each of his first five NFL seasons.
As the season progresses, the Packers will rely on the depth of their defensive line and the leadership of players like Rashan Gary to fill the void left by Parsons.
The injury leaves the Packers without their top defensive asset.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
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