Big injury update from the Green Bay Packers clan: star DE Micah Parsons is set to have his surgery to repair a torn ACL on Monday. Announcing the update, he shared an Instagram story in a hospital gown with a five-word caption. 

“See y’all soon, love y’all,” the caption read. 

Parsons suffered a noncontact ACL injury in the second half of the Packers’ game against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 14. Things have been off in Green Bay ever since the five-time Pro Bowler went down with an injury in Week 15. In addition to him, the Packers have also listed WR Christian Watson, TE Josh Whyle, safety Evan Williams, and OL Zach Tom on Injured Reserve. 

Parsons injured himself in the final moments of the third quarter. He was going after opposing quarterback Bo Nix when suddenly he moved in another direction. The next moment, he fell on the ground, clutching his knee. He was taken to the locker room with assistance and later reported to have suffered an ACL tear. Yet, he didn’t consider himself defeated. 

“I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated,” Parsons said shortly after. “I will rise again.”

By Christmas, the edge rusher seemed to have realized that his recovery journey would be long. He updated his fans via an X post, telling them that he has accepted the pain and reality of his recovery. Previously, when the surgery was discussed, head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t share any timeline. 

It was expected that the surgery would take place once the swelling had gone down, which appears to be the situation now, two weeks later. However, there may be a more personal reason for the wait: the defensive end recently traveled to Dallas to welcome his third child.

Parsons’ return timeline could be around nine months long. And things are cutting close for the Packers. Including Week 15, they are now on a three-game losing streak heading into the playoffs. 

Packers walking on thin ropes

Against the Baltimore Ravens, it was truly a humbling night for the Packers, which dropped them to a 9-6-1 record. The defense allowed 30 first downs, 22 of which came directly from a punishing ground game. The Ravens had complete control of the clock as they left the Packers’ offense stranded on the sideline, while keeping the ball for 40 minutes. 

“That was a humbling night,” admitted head coach LaFleur. “Give Baltimore a ton of credit. They came in here and were in complete control the whole game. Unfortunately, it wasn’t up to our standard in regards to how we played, how we coached. And that’s what happens.”

With players like Parsons, Watson, and Tucker Kraft sidelined, the Packers’ roster is being pushed to its absolute limit. What’s even tougher is that they have clinched the NFC’s No. 7 seed, which means their first postseason clash will be on the road. Right now, the team is holding its breath as quarterback Jordan Love works to clear the concussion protocol in time to return for Week 18’s clash against the Vikings. It’s their last chance to find their rhythm before the playoffs kick off.