Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is targeting Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 18 as the earliest possible return from the ACL injury that ended his 2025 season. However, both Parsons and Pro Football Doc have cautioned that his recovery could extend beyond that optimistic target.

Parsons tore his ACL on Dec. 14 against the Denver Broncos in Week 15 and underwent surgery later that month. In addition to the ACL reconstruction, Parsons had a procedure to clean up his meniscus, making his recovery more complicated than an isolated ACL tear.

When Could Micah Parsons Return?

Parsons recently told the NFL Network that Week 6 is his most optimistic return date.

That timeline fits with Green Bay's cautious approach to ACL rehabilitation. Parsons previously explained that the Packers follow a strict nine-month guideline for players recovering from ACL tears involving additional damage.

"We have a pretty strong 9-month rule," Parsons said. "There's no good outcomes with players coming back early from an ACL, especially if you're having other things getting fixed up."

Nine months from Parsons' late-December surgery would put him around late September, with additional time needed to resume football activities, practice and prepare for game action.

Pro Football Doc Analysis

Pro Football Doc views Parsons' Week 6 target as possible but optimistic, noting that Parsons is being realistic about the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.

"Player being honest here. Could easily be longer."

Pro Football Doc previously projected that Parsons would begin the regular season on the PUP list, which now appears to be the expected path. That designation would require him to miss at least the first four games before becoming eligible to return.

The bigger question is not simply when Parsons is medically cleared, but when he is physically prepared to perform at an NFL level following ACL reconstruction and additional meniscus work.

Bottom Line

Week 6 against Dallas represents the earliest realistic target for Parsons, not a guaranteed return date. Green Bay's nine-month ACL protocol and the additional meniscus procedure make a cautious approach likely, and Pro Football Doc believes his absence could extend beyond that date.

For now, expect Parsons to miss at least the first four games of 2026, with Week 6 or later serving as the more realistic window for his return to the Packers' defense.