Micah Parsons Starting on PUP Could Expose Packers' Biggest Defensive Risk
Micah Parsons' injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Green Bay Packers in 2025. The three-time first-team All-Pro selection went down with a torn ACL and meniscus during the Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos, forcing a dominant debut campaign in Green Bay to an early end.
The Packers struggled mightily with their top defender sidelined, losing each of their final five games, including a highly contested Wild Card matchup against their hated rivals.
As the team looks ahead to the start of the 2026 campaign, the timing of Parsons' injury continues to test the Packer defense. With training camp looming, set to start on July 29, Parsons' older brother offered insight into the star edge rusher's recovery process coming into his sixth professional season and second in Green Bay.
I am not the source I just confirm or deny information when he's starting on the pup week 5 was always unrealistic… need atleast 3 weeks of practice from whenever he starts practicing that's the KEY
— Terrence Parsons Jr (@Tpars_boii) June 21, 2026
Parsons revealed his younger brother will likely be sidelined through Green Bay's Week 5 rematch against Chicago, as the five-time Pro Bowler is slated to start the 2026 season on the PUP List. Without its top defender, the Packers' pass rush will face its share of tests to open a highly anticipated campaign.
Behind Parsons, there are questions within Green Bay's front seven. The Packers' defensive front could struggle as it adjusts to life without its star edge defender.
Packers Need Production From Lukas Van Ness, Co. Amid Micah Parsons' Absence
Packers first-year defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will look for some breakout performances in Parsons' absence early in the 2026 season. Former No. 13 overall pick Lukas Van Ness has struggled to carve out consistent production over the first three years of his career and missed time in 2025, but will have the opportunity to rewrite the negative narratives with an expanded role to open his fourth professional season.
Down the line, fourth-year defensive lineman Karl Brooks will carve out starts early in the year, while veterans like Javon Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt will be called on for greater production. Penn State rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton has impressed early in the offseason program and could break out with valuable reps early in his professional career.
Gannon will work to fill any voids during the remainder of the offseason in an effort to maintain a productive unit in Parsons' absence. Upon his return, the team projects to reclaim its status as one of the top units in the NFL down the stretch of the regular season.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM.