The Green Bay Packers shook up the NFC North last week by trading for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, immediately vaulting themselves into the conversation as division favorites. But the move came with risk: Parsons has been dealing with a back injury that sidelined him for all of training camp. With the **Detroit Lions**looming in Week 1, his health is suddenly one of the biggest storylines in football.
Will Micah Parsons Play Lions
The Lead
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Parsons is battling an “L4/L5 facet joint sprain”, a legitimate back issue that the Cowboys were treating with anti-inflammatories and medication before trading him. While there was speculation that Parsons was exaggerating the injury to push for a new deal, the Packers have confirmed that the back problem is real.
Still, Parsons insists he’s ready to roll.
“Physically, I’m great,” Parsons said during his introductory press conference. “I think I can contribute a lot. I’m going to team up with the doctors in creating a plan. We already talked about how we can ramp things up and get me into a flow where they feel comfortable and I feel comfortable. But my plan is to be here. They didn’t give up what they gave up for me to sit on the sidelines and make this big of a risk and change for me to do that, so I’m going to give them my all.”
Limited Practice, But Trending Toward Playing
Parsons practiced with the Packers on Monday in a limited role. Packers beat reporter Matt Schneidman (The Athletic) noted that Parsons’ participation later in the week will be the true indicator.
“If Parsons is indeed a full participant on Wednesday, Thursday or even Friday, that’s a telling sign he’ll play in the season opener on Sunday. Maybe he won’t have a typical workload after not practicing all camp and nursing a back injury, but it would be a surprise if Parsons doesn’t suit up at all.”
NFL Network also reported Parsons could receive an epidural injection to manage the pain and get on the field against Detroit.
The Lions Are Preparing for Him
While Green Bay sorts out Parsons’ availability, the Lions aren’t banking on him sitting out. Dan Campbell made it clear on Monday that Detroit expects to see him out there.
“Certainly, we’ll have our eyes on that. We know what kind of player he is; he’s a really good player. But, we’ll have a plan,” Campbell said.
That plan will likely lean heavily on Detroit’s offensive line, one of the best in the NFL, anchored by Penei Sewell and bolstered by the addition of rookie guard Tate Ratledge. The Lions’ front has already proven capable of handling elite pass rushers, so while Parsons is a unique challenge, Detroit won’t be caught off guard.
What’s at Stake in Week 1
This isn’t just another opener. The Lions are coming off a 15-2 season in 2024, with an offense that led the league in scoring and a defense reshaped by rookies like Tyleik Williams and Terrion Arnold. The Packers, meanwhile, are trying to send a message with the Parsons trade: the division crown is up for grabs.
If Parsons is anywhere close to 100%, he instantly changes Green Bay’s defense. If he’s limited, though, it could be a long day against an offense that scored 564 points last year.
Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers Week 1 odds Lions vs. Packers Point Spread
The Bigger Picture
The Parsons storyline highlights just how high the stakes are in the NFC North. The Lions are no longer the hunters, they’re the hunted. And Green Bay is banking on Parsons’ game-wrecking ability to flip the balance of power.
But as Campbell has reminded everyone all offseason, Vegas odds and flashy trades don’t win games. Execution does. Whether Parsons plays every snap or is limited, Detroit’s job remains the same: protect Jared Goff, control the tempo, and let their stars, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs, do the damage.
The Bottom Line
Micah Parsons says he’ll be ready. The Packers are betting on it. The Lions? They’re planning as if the All-Pro will be on the field. Either way, Week 1 just got even bigger, and Detroit will be ready for the challenge.