Packers' Micah Parsons Shares Painful Reality of ACL Recovery Ahead of Bears Showdown
On Friday, Micah Parsons responded to a fan question about his recovery on X, writing, “This recovery process is incredibly challenging and painful.”
Green Bay Packers star edge rusher Micah Parsons offered a candid glimpse into his rehabilitation process ahead of the team's NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Chicago Bears. Parsons, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, was spotted arriving at Soldier Field on Sunday on forearm crutches and wearing a knee brace.
The injury, a non-contact knee tear while rushing the passer, has been a long and arduous process for Parsons. After undergoing surgery on December 29, 2025, he was placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025–26 season. According to medical experts, recovery from a torn ACL typically takes 8–12 months, with a potential return to the field in September 2026.
In a recent social media post, Parsons shared his frustration and determination to overcome the injury, stating that the recovery process is 'incredibly challenging and painful.' However, he also expressed gratitude for the progress he's made so far, citing a faster-than-expected healing process.
Parsons, who played 14 games for the Packers in his first season, recorded 12.5 sacks and 83 pressures. His early-stage recovery workouts, shared on Instagram, demonstrate his commitment to a full recovery and potential return to the field.
The Packers and Bears will face off in the NFC Wild Card playoff game, with both teams releasing their inactive lists. The Packers' inactives include WR Dontayvion Wicks, RT Zach Tom, QB Desmond Ridder, CB Jaylin Simpson, DE Collin Oliver, WR Jakobie Keeney-James, and DE Rashan Gary. The Bears' inactives are Case Keenum, J.J. Gardner-Johnson, Ruben Hyppolite II, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Jahdae Walker, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Luke Newman, and OG Teven Jenkins.
