Not all ACL injuries are created equal, which is clear in the difference between Micah Parsons‘ situation and that of Patrick Mahomes.
The Green Bay Packers pass-rusher has a better chance of returning for Week 1 of next season than does the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, even despite playing a position that is more demanding on the knee joints based on the standard and repetitive movements inherent to it.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network offered a detailed explanation of Parsons’ situation on December 18 during the “Thursday Night Football” broadcast.
“It is a clean ACL tear,” Rapoport reported. “Going to have surgery after they strengthen around the knee in the coming days and weeks. It is a nine-month recovery, so he has a chance, I would say a good chance, to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.”
Mahomes, on the other hand, dealt with an ACL and LCL tear. The extra complication of the LCL repair makes it less likely for him to return in Week 1, though he underwent surgery almost immediately following the injury, while Parsons is allowing for more time between the initial trauma and subsequent surgery.
Packers Coaching Staff Bullish on Micah Parsons’ Recovery, Return
GettyOutside linebacker Micah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers.
Parsons’ loss is a tremendous blow to the Packers’ defense, as well as the team’s chances to win the NFC North Division and make a deep run into the playoffs.
But despite a steep decline in Green Bay’s immediate prospects, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was bullish earlier this week on Parsons’ prospects once he does return in 2026.
“If I were a betting man, I would bet that he comes back even better and probably breaks the sack record next year,” Hafley said on Wednesday, December 17, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. “So I’m going to put that on Micah and myself, and you guys can put that out there.”
Hafley has coached Parsons for just 14 games, but the impression the superstar pass-rusher has made on his coordinator is overwhelmingly evident.
“Just wait until you guys see how hard he works to come back, how fast he probably comes back,” Hafley continued. “Give Micah adversity and watch what happens.”
Micah Parsons Among Most Consistent Sack Producers Over 5-Year NFL Career
GettyMicah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers.
Parsons posted 12.5 sacks through 14 games, which was tied for third place in the NFL entering Week 15. And even despite his status as a four-time Pro Bowler, and likely a five-timer after this season concludes, breaking the sack record could be quite a tall order.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has 21.5 sacks with three games remaining this season, while the all-time record is 22.5 sacks. Garrett is on pace to smash that mark and set a new standard for players like Parsons to challenge moving forward.
Parsons has been a model of consistency, tallying between 12-14 sacks every season since joining the NFL in 2021, and has been by far the most successful pressure generator on Green Bay’s defense this year.
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