While the team is optimistic about his return to the field, LaFleur emphasized that the situation remains a managed process. Parsons continued working with the training staff on Monday and did not participate in the team's walk-through session. The Packers are scheduled to hold their next practice on Wednesday, which will serve as the primary indicator of his readiness to rejoin his teammates.
Managing the Recovery Timeline
Parsons underwent surgery on December 29 to address the complex knee injury, a procedure that required a more extensive rehabilitation period than a standard ACL reconstruction. Currently placed on the physically unable to perform list, his return to practice triggers a 21-day window during which the organization must decide whether to elevate him to the active 53-man roster.
LaFleur noted that the recovery timeline is likely to lean toward the longer end of that three-week window. Consequently, Parsons is not expected to suit up for this Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots, and he is unlikely to be available for the Week 10 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. With a bye week scheduled for Week 11, the team is eyeing a potential return for the Thanksgiving eve game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Packers remain cautious, with LaFleur describing the situation as fluid. The coaching staff plans to monitor how Parsons responds to the physical demands of practice over the coming days before determining his specific availability for upcoming games. Since arriving in Green Bay following an August 2025 trade from the Dallas Cowboys, Parsons has been a central figure in the defense, recording 12.5 sacks and a league-leading 64 pressures across 14 appearances in his debut season with the franchise.
