Packers' Micah Parsons Questionable to Play Season Opener vs Lions

The Green Bay Packers recently acquired star edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys in a blockbuster trade involving two first-round draft picks and defensive lineman Kenny Clark, signing him to a four-year, $188 million contract. However, Parsons is currently dealing with a back injury sustained during offseason training, which has limited his practice participation and placed his status for the Packers' Week 1 game against the Detroit Lions as questionable. Despite this, Packers coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley remain hopeful that Parsons will play, though likely on a snap count and limited role as the team gradually integrates him into their defense. Parsons' limited practice reps and ongoing rehabilitation mean the Packers are still determining the best way to deploy him, with coordinators having numerous schemes ready for when he reaches full health. The Lions, the defending NFC North champions and a high-scoring team led by quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, present a formidable challenge for the Packers in their home opener. Overall, Parsons' health status adds uncertainty to this highly anticipated divisional matchup, with the Packers eager to maximize their new acquisition's impact while managing his recovery.