The Green Bay Packers may be getting a massive boost soon.
Micah Parsons tore his ACL last December, delivering a crushing blow to the Packers' playoff hopes last season and dampening their pass rush this season, as he has begun the year on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated the star pass rusher could return to practice as early as next week.
"I'm saying there's a chance," LaFleur said when asked whether Parsons could begin practicing next week.
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The Packers acquired the 27-year-old from the Dallas Cowboys before last season in exchange for star defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks, and Parsons appeared to justify the steep price. In 14 games last season, Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks and 41 tackles.
Despite appearing in only 14 games, he finished third in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting and was named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro first team.
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The Packers are eager to get Parsons back on the field. Despite their 4-3 record, Green Bay sits last in the uber-competitive NFC North, with every team in the division above .500. The Minnesota Vikings lead the division at 6-0, followed by the Chicago Bears at 5-2 and the Detroit Lions at 4-2.
Parsons has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his five NFL seasons, and his return could significantly bolster Green Bay's playoff hopes.
The Packers will remain without Parsons when they face the Carolina Panthers (3-3) Thursday night.