His back injury is real, and the issue may have to be managed, but Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is expected to play in Sunday’s season opener against the Detroit Lions, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“Micah Parsons, expected to play this week, that’s a good thing,” Rapoport said on NFL Network on Monday.
According to Rapoport and several other media reports, Parsons has a facet joint sprain in his back and could need non-surgical treatment to alleviate discomfort.
Parsons practiced with his new Packers teammates in Green Bay on Monday and showed no signs of limitations in regards to the back injury, although the team is giving him a ramp up period after so much time away from football.
Parsons, who was traded to the Packers last Thursday, sat out training camp with the Dallas Cowboys while treating the back injury, which was confirmed by both the Cowboys medical staff and independent spinal expert Dr. Robert Watkins.
Parsons passed a physical with the Packers before signing a four-year, $188 million extension on Friday.
The Packers will release the first injury report of Week 1 on Wednesday. Coach Matt LaFleur will also be available to answer questions, although it can be expected the information provided on Parsons’ status for Sunday will be vague.