Through much of the Cowboys-Micah Parsons saga, back tightness was cited as the reason he did not participate in training camp practices. Following last week’s blockbuster trade to the Packers, Parsons is still dealing with the issue.
The All-Pro edge rusher has a facet joint sprain in his fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. This ailment — clearly a legitimate one, rather than a simple negotiating ploy during extension talks which proved to be rather contentious — has resulted in at least a degree of uncertainty regarding whether Parsons will play in Week 1, Schefter adds. Green Bay’s season kicks off Sunday against the Lions.
[RELATED: Parsons Attempted To Resume Cowboys Extension Talks Before Trade]
If Parsons is to suit up, an epidural injection may be required. The Cowboys had the four-time Pro Bowler on a plan involving the use of an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid for five days along with a physical therapy program prior to the trade. Parsons had been cleared by Dallas’ medical staff before seeking out a second opinion.
Parsons went through a limited Packers practice in his first workout — the first true practice work he has gone through since last season — but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Matt Schneidman and Zach Powell add a full practice is possible later this week and that it would surprise if Parsons is not at least in uniform for some part-time work against the Lions. When asked about his health at his Packers introductory presser, Parsons described himself as “great” physically.
“Physically, I’m great. I think I can contribute a lot,” Parsons said. “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.”
Green Bay sent two first-round picks and nine-year defensive tackle starter Kenny Clark to Dallas for Parsons, and the trade haul has been widely viewed as insufficient for a player on Parsons’ trajectory. While the Cowboys’ trade timing has drawn more scrutiny, Parsons having a genuine back issue does inject some risk for the Packers. Green Bay brass is clearly unconcerned through a long-term lens, as evidenced by the record-smashing extension (four years, $186MM), but the superstar’s short-term status will need to be monitored as his first Packers season nears.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Maybe Jerry knew something 😂
Parsons is going to end up with nagging injuries all season and play less than 10 games.
Jerry done did it again! Now he just has to find another sucker to take Dak.
This is all BS. Much like Rodgers, report he’s hurt all week, then he plays and is the hero with so much heart and grit. I’ve seen this movie before.
I’m waiting for the movie where the MGM lion (not sure if he’s from Detroit) eats all the actors 🙂
There’s actually a really cool story about that lion. Google it.
I watched him hit the crap out of the sled and run around with his hair on fire in practice clips from today. Between that and the notoriously conservative Packer docs signing off on this trade? I’m not worried. I expect he will play a limited role on Sunday. But even if he doesn’t this was still absolutely the right move.
They’re quick to dismiss this but I’ve never heard such a thing as a “minor spine injury”
As a Lions fan I know how GB normally rolls. But with him not doing squat all camp and having any kind of back issue, he won’t be 100% for a few weeks regardless of what treatment he gets. And there are a ton of people making GB the favorite in the North now, but one thing that isn’t being reported is the loss of Kenny Clark. That dude was a pain in the azz to block and always gave us fits. I know Parsons is a great DE, but Clark not being on that line anymore will be big too