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Micah Parsons has returned to practice after nearly 11 months away, and there's a good reason the Packers have taken their time.
This wasn't simply an ACL injury. Parsons also needed repairs to both the medial and lateral menisci in his left knee. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery in Los Angeles on December 29, 2025.
The recovery was particularly demanding. Parsons spent around seven to eight weeks unable to put weight on his leg, which caused significant muscle loss. Rebuilding that strength and getting his knee ready for the demands of professional football has been a long process.
His return to individual drills on November 4 is an important milestone, but I wouldn't expect him to immediately play a full workload.
I'd start him on obvious passing downs and gradually increase his snaps. Green Bay has managed without him, so there's little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player of his importance.
My question is whether the Packers should use him primarily as a pass rusher initially or give him his usual responsibilities as soon as he's cleared. How would you handle his return?
Here's some details of his injury:
Parsons later confirmed that surgeons repaired both menisci as well as reconstructing his ACL.
How does an injury like this heal?
The recovery involves several stages:
Surgery: The ACL is reconstructed, generally using a tendon graft. The damaged meniscus tissue is repaired with sutures where possible.
Initial protection: The knee needs time to heal. Parsons said he couldn't put weight on the leg for approximately seven to eight weeks and needed crutches.
Strength recovery: The quadriceps muscle loses considerable strength during that period. He needed extensive work to rebuild muscle, mobility and balance.
Running and movement: Rehabilitation gradually progresses to running, changing direction and football-specific movements.
Return to football: He must demonstrate that the knee can handle the demands of practice before returning to games.
The Packers confirmed that the combined ACL and meniscus repairs were responsible for his longer recovery.
Why did it take almost 11 months?
An isolated ACL reconstruction often has a shorter recovery than a combined ACL and meniscus repair.
Parsons explained that he spent nearly two months unable to bear weight. That caused substantial muscle loss, particularly in his quadriceps.
He also said he went through several physical tests that he didn't initially pass. Rather than rush him back, Green Bay allowed him more time.
This wasn't simply an ACL injury. Parsons also needed repairs to both the medial and lateral menisci in his left knee. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery in Los Angeles on December 29, 2025.
The recovery was particularly demanding. Parsons spent around seven to eight weeks unable to put weight on his leg, which caused significant muscle loss. Rebuilding that strength and getting his knee ready for the demands of professional football has been a long process.
His return to individual drills on November 4 is an important milestone, but I wouldn't expect him to immediately play a full workload.
I'd start him on obvious passing downs and gradually increase his snaps. Green Bay has managed without him, so there's little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player of his importance.
My question is whether the Packers should use him primarily as a pass rusher initially or give him his usual responsibilities as soon as he's cleared. How would you handle his return?
Here's some details of his injury:
Parsons later confirmed that surgeons repaired both menisci as well as reconstructing his ACL.
How does an injury like this heal?
The recovery involves several stages:
Surgery: The ACL is reconstructed, generally using a tendon graft. The damaged meniscus tissue is repaired with sutures where possible.
Initial protection: The knee needs time to heal. Parsons said he couldn't put weight on the leg for approximately seven to eight weeks and needed crutches.
Strength recovery: The quadriceps muscle loses considerable strength during that period. He needed extensive work to rebuild muscle, mobility and balance.
Running and movement: Rehabilitation gradually progresses to running, changing direction and football-specific movements.
Return to football: He must demonstrate that the knee can handle the demands of practice before returning to games.
The Packers confirmed that the combined ACL and meniscus repairs were responsible for his longer recovery.
Why did it take almost 11 months?
An isolated ACL reconstruction often has a shorter recovery than a combined ACL and meniscus repair.
Parsons explained that he spent nearly two months unable to bear weight. That caused substantial muscle loss, particularly in his quadriceps.
He also said he went through several physical tests that he didn't initially pass. Rather than rush him back, Green Bay allowed him more time.
