Packers’ Micah Parsons Gets Encouraging Verdict From All-Pro Teammate—informative update.

The Green Bay Packers continued their strong play without Micah Parsons, and one of their defensive leaders offered a hopeful glimpse of what the standout pass rusher could look like upon his return. After Green Bay’s 23-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker Zaire Franklin said he recently watched Parsons train while the four-time Pro Bowler rehabs a serious knee injury. “I can’t wait to see 1 back. I snuck and watched him work out the other day. I ain’t gonna lie,” Franklin said. When asked how Parsons looked, Franklin replied, “He looked good to me.”

Franklin’s optimism meshes with a defense that has shown resilience in Parsons’ absence. The former Indianapolis Colts standout joined Green Bay in March and has become a key figure in coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s unit. In the win against Dallas, Franklin delivered a big hit on quarterback Dak Prescott in the first quarter, followed by a Prescott interception by safety Evan Williams and a takeaway by rookie Brandon Cisse before halftime. The Packers built a 17-0 lead and limited Dallas to 48 rushing yards, marking the third straight game allowing 14 points or fewer.

Franklin credited the defensive staff for their preparation and described Green Bay’s defense as a unit on the rise, noting weekly improvements. That progress provides a solid foundation before Parsons’ season debut, as he recovers from an ACL tear and a meniscus repair suffered late last year. Parsons, acquired from Dallas ahead of the 2025 season, signed a four-year extension reportedly valued up to $188 million. His rehabilitation has required time, but there is growing optimism about when he can return.

Head coach Matt LaFleur has stressed that the Packers will follow the medical staff’s guidance and avoid rushing Parsons back on any artificial timeline. “As soon as they give us the green light, he’ll be out there,” LaFleur said. “That hasn’t happened yet, but I think we’re getting closer.” The team wants to ensure the strength and stamina in Parsons’ surgically repaired leg match his other leg and plans to ease him back into football activities before game action.

NFL insider discussions have noted a potential return to practice in the near term, though game action was not guaranteed. Parsons has indicated a willingness to be patient, emphasizing that he wants to address smaller physical issues before returning, while acknowledging he could play if a Super Bowl were on the line.

The Packers’ next challenge is a matchup with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Whether Parsons participates in practice leading up to that NFC North clash remains to be determined.