What looked like a contract-related “hold-in” during Cowboys training camp was also linked to Micah Parsons missing time with a back issue. Once he was dealt to the Green Bay Packers, passing his physical gave the impression that the problem was behind him.
Parsons was back on the practice field Monday as the Packers opened preparations for their season opener against the Detroit Lions. However, follow-up reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that the star pass rusher is still dealing with a lingering concern.
According to those reports, Parsons has a facet joint sprain in the L4/L5 area of his spine. He might require an epidural injection to be ready for Sunday’s matchup with Detroit.
Schefter also noted that before the trade, Dallas had Parsons on a five-day corticosteroid treatment to ease inflammation, along with a physical therapy plan to manage back tightness.
Impact on Lions-Packers Opener
The Cowboys were clearly aware the injury was more than minor, and now it could affect Green Bay’s biggest new addition right out of the gate. Even if Parsons suits up in Week 1, he is unlikely to be operating at full capacity and might see his snaps managed carefully.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked if Parsons’ uncertain status would alter Detroit’s preparations. He downplayed the idea, saying:
“I don’t know how much it’ll necessarily change yet. We’ll dig deeper into that in the next couple of days. We know what kind of player he is, and we’ll have a plan.”
Unless his condition worsens throughout the week, Parsons is still expected to play. But with him less than 100 percent, the advantage may tilt toward the Lions in a divisional matchup that could have major implications in the NFC North race.
