Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons has adjusted his expectations for a return to football following his ACL surgery. Initially hopeful for a comeback within the first month of the season, Parsons now acknowledges that he will not be cleared to practice until at least nine months post-surgery.
Parsons, currently five months out from surgery, revealed on Wednesday that his procedure also involved a meniscus repair. His return to practice is anticipated by late September; however, the team is unlikely to allow him to play in a game until he has undergone multiple weeks of practice. If placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, he would miss at least the first four games of the season.
“The goal for me is to complete the season — not no relapse — and playoffs and pushing towards a championship,” Parsons stated. He emphasized that the focus is on rehabilitation and being ready for the playoffs rather than rushing back for early games.
Parsons injured his left knee on December 14 against the Denver Broncos and underwent surgery on December 29. Following the injury, he expressed hope for an early return, but now adheres to a recovery timeline supported by data on ACL recoveries.
“We have a pretty good strong nine-month rule,” Parsons explained. “Through the research and the data, there’s no good outcomes with players coming back early from an ACL.” He noted the importance of completing rehab thoroughly.
If Parsons begins the season on the PUP list, he can return to practice in advance of the Week 5 game against the Chicago Bears. Should he return, the Packers will face the Dallas Cowboys, his former team, in Week 6.
Parsons has added running on an anti-gravity treadmill to his rehabilitation routine and maintains communication with Packers management throughout his recovery. He conveyed trust in the team’s decision-making regarding his health, stating, “I don’t think Gutey or Nate or Matt wants me to go out there if I’m not at 100% and risk reinjury.”
The Packers made a significant investment to acquire Parsons last August, giving up Kenny Clark and two first-round picks. Prior to his injury, the team recorded a 9-3-1 record. They ultimately faced a decline in performance, losing their final four games and being eliminated from playoff contention by the Bears.
“These windows are very small, and they come every four or five years in this league,” Parsons noted. He remains optimistic about the upcoming season and the potential for a healthy playoff run.
Source: www.espn.com via Google News.
