Micah Parsons, a standout defensive end for the Green Bay Packers, faces uncertainty as he prepares for the team’s regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Packers traded up for Parsons in a blockbuster trade that sent two future first-round picks and DT Kenny Clark to the Eagles. He signed an unprecedented four-year, $188 million contract extension. This agreement ensured his long-term commitment to the NFL, as it made him the richest non-quarterback in league history.
Parsons has an on-time $120 million contract extension coming, fully guaranteed at signing. At the moment, he’s dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his lower back. To continue his healing, we’ve now had him on a five day course of prednisone, which is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. Speculation is swirling that Parsons will be getting an injection before the game. That might increase his odds of action.
The mystery of whether Parsons will play or not certainly gives this highly anticipated matchup at Lambeau Field some added drama. He’s mainly concerned with getting prepared for the Lions. He deserves credit as a street fighter, but if he plays will depend on how his condition improves throughout this week.
“He had a couple reps, he said he’s going to be more full-go Wednesday and Thursday,” said Rasheed Walker, Parsons’ former college teammate at Penn State, who remains optimistic about his friend’s availability.
Parsons’ performance as an individual and Parsons’ performance as a collective. His return to action could truly be the key to unlocking the otherworldly potential of the Packers’ defense. Rashan Gary, the other star of an ever-improving defensive line, couldn’t contain his glee at what Alex Parsons’ arrival could do for them.
“It’s scary. It’s for sure scary with the pieces that we have,” Gary stated. The dudes that we do, majorly, particularly the mindsets we all have. I would say, particularly speaking to him today, in a lot of ways, we’re the same type of people, mentality wise. So that’s going to be intimidating for the teams, no doubt about it.
Gary’s gotten 39 sacks in his six year career with the Packers. He’s never had a double-digit sack season. Having Parsons on the roster should free him up a bit since he’ll see fewer double-teams. This will create additional chances for Robinson to shine this year.
Defensive back Nate Hobbs even weighed in on how things could change with a shift in their defensive strategy. He noted that Parsons’ ability to rush the quarterback might alter opponents’ play-calling: “Just the reality of it, you know, on those rushing downs, the ball’s probably going to come out quicker than it previously would or it usually does.”
Packers’ management and coaching staff are keeping a close eye on Parsons’ recovery from the injury and practice workload, of course. He’ll be increasing his involvement throughout the week, so stay tuned. That fact alone provides great optimism for both coaches and fans alike as he looks to get back to 100 percent.
Offensive tackle Rasheed Walker is optimistic about their potential this year. He said, “I do believe that increased our chances tremendously,” placing Parsons’ transformative effects on the team’s Super Bowl hopes.
With game day approaching, all eyes are still on Micah Parsons and his health. His availability will be crucial to the Packers’ chances of taking down the Lions. It could even set the stage for how their whole season plays out.
Leave a Reply