The Green Bay Packers will close out the 2025 season without their defensive centerpiece, after star pass rusher Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Sunday’s 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos.
NFL Insider Ian Rapaport reported: “#Packers star Micah Parsons has, in fact, torn his ACL and is out for the 2025 season, the MRI confirmed. He faces a 9 month recovery at least.”
An MRI confirmed the injury, which occurred late in the third quarter on a non-contact play as Parsons was pursuing Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. After bursting past right tackle Mike McGlinchey, Parsons suddenly planted awkwardly, pulled up, and went down clutching his knee. Trainers rushed to his side as players from both teams gathered nearby. He was eventually helped off the field and taken to the locker room, where he was later ruled out.
The injury marks the first major setback of Parsons’ NFL career. Aside from missing four games last season with an ankle issue, he had been remarkably durable since entering the league in 2021.
Parsons is expected to need at least nine months of rehabilitation, which not only ends his current season but could also delay his return at the start of 2026. Parsons himself addressed the setback Monday with a message on social media, describing the injury as a defining challenge while expressing faith and gratitude for the support he has received: “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.”
Parsons was acquired from the Dallas Cowboys just weeks before the season in a blockbuster trade that sent defensive lineman Kenny Clark and two first-round picks to Dallas. Green Bay immediately rewarded him with a four-year, $188 million extension that included $136 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Before Sunday’s injury, Parsons was once again delivering an elite season. He finishes his first year in Green Bay with 12.5 sacks, 39 tackles, 26 quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. His sack total extends a historic run, making him the first player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to open a career with five straight seasons of at least 12.
Parsons’ injury resonated beyond Green Bay’s locker room, drawing reactions from around the league — especially from former Cowboys teammates. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott said: “I shot him a message before the game telling him to keep his head up. Tough game, tough business. He responded. Great message. Great attitude about it and he’ll attack his rehab.”
Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs echoed that sentiment, saying, “I was devastated. As soon as I seen that happened, I texted him, made sure he was good. That’s my Day 1. That’s my brother and I’ve been though it so I know how he’s feeling right now. I just want him to keep him on y’all’s prayers, make sure he’s prayed up and I’m going to make sure I’m there for him every step of the way, make sure he is good.”
Editorial credit: D’Avril Grant / Shutterstock.com