NFL · Carolina Panthers · 14:29 ET · via @AdamSchefter

Micah Parsons is Finally Returning to Packers Practice, But Don't Rush to the Betting Window Just Yet

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Packers HC Matt LaFleur said the team is planning for Micah Parsons to practice this week.

The are finally getting their most terrifying defensive weapon back on the grass, but anyone expecting to immediately start ruining opposing quarterbacks this Sunday needs to take a breath.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Parsons is slated to return to practice this week. It is a massive milestone for a guy who has been sidelined since last winter, but putting on a practice jersey in early November is a long way from taking live NFL snaps.

Parsons tore his ACL and meniscus last December in a brutal non-contact injury against the . Before his knee gave out, he had already racked up 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in the 2025 season. You do not just plug that kind of elite production back into the lineup overnight without a serious ramp-up period.

The Packers defense just handled the 27-19, which is nice, but beating Carolina right now is like successfully parallel parking a golf cart. needs Parsons back at full speed if they want to actually scare top-tier quarterbacks in the NFC playoff race.

If you are looking at the futures market and thinking this practice news makes an immediate lock, hold your cash. Reports indicate Parsons and the team are actually targeting Week 12 for his return to real game action. That gives him nearly a month to remember how to bend the edge at full speed before he actually has to tackle someone wearing a different helmet.