Micah Parsons might have just sealed his trade deal with the Green Bay Packers but a troubling back injury now threatens to derail his much-anticipated debut.
Parsons is battling a facet joint sprain in his L4/L5 vertebrae, according to reports, and may require an epidural injection to be ready for the Packers’ opener on Sunday.
He’s currently taking anti-inflammatories to ease the tightness and is undergoing a rehabilitative physical therapy program.
The injury raises serious doubts about Parsons’ availability for Week 1, when Green Bay hosts the Detroit Lions.
During his stint with the Cowboys, Parsons reported to training camp in full gear but then missed time due to a back issue, sparking speculation that it was connected to his contract dispute with Jerry Jones.
Now, however, insiders confirm the injury is genuine and not just a negotiation tactic.
A troubling back injury threatens to derail Micah Parsons’ much-anticipated Packers debut
Parsons is battling a facet joint sprain in his L4/L5 vertebrae, according to media reports
After being traded in a blockbuster swap that sent Kenny Clark and two first-round picks to Dallas, Parsons officially took the field in his new Packers kit on Monday.
At his introductory press conference on Friday, Parsons insisted he’s ready to suit up – if medical staff can clear him.
‘I think I can contribute a lot. I’m going to team up with the doctors and create a plan. We already talked about how we can ramp me up and get me in a flow where they feel comfortable and I feel comfortable,’ he said.
‘My plan is to be here. They didn’t give up what they gave up for me to sit on the sidelines.’
Looking ahead, the stakes are already high as Week 4 brings an early and emotional return to Dallas for Parsons and his new teammates.
The biggest saga of the NFL’s offseason came to an end last Thursday when the Cowboys ended their contract dispute with Parsons by sending him to the Packers.
Parsons signed a $188million, four-year contract that includes $136m guaranteed
Though the trade request had come from Parsons himself, most assumed it was just a negotiating tactic to get Dallas back to the table.
Parsons was given a record-setting $188million, four-year contract that includes $136m guaranteed. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he offered Parsons more guaranteed money.
With his move to Green Bay, Parsons becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
During his unveiling on Friday, Parsons said he went through the hardest four months of his life as he feared his contract stalemate with the Cowboys would stretch into the start of the season.
