Micah Parsons injury update: Report reveals status of Packers LB for Lions game

Packers star Micah Parsons is expected to play during Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. However, Rapoport noted that the Packers will likely put a limit on his snaps on Sunday.

Parsons is reportedly dealing with a L4/LF5 facet joint sprain in his back, and he may receive an injection before the game against the Lions on Sunday, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter. Before trading Parsons to the Packers last week, the Dallas Cowboys prescribed him a five-day course of prednisone, a corticosteroid to help him recover from back tightness.

Despite this, Parsons said that he was feeling great physically during his introductory press conference with the Packers, which was likely before this plan was put in place. He noted that he planned to meet with team doctors and work on piecing a recovery plan together and assured that he’s working diligently on his return.

After all, Parsons said himself that Green Bay didn’t “give up what they gave up” for him to simply sit on the sidelines. While it remains to be seen how much he’ll ultimately play, it appears that the Packers and Parsons both want him on the field during Week 1 — especially on key snaps.

Rapoport’s report is similar to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler from Saturday, who said the Packers plan to slot Parsons on a “pitch count.” It remains to be seen how many snaps the standout defender will receive.

“He wants to play and the Packers want to get him in there,” Fowler said during SportsCenter on Saturday. “They’re trying to be cautious because he had that back issue. My sense, asking around early in the week, is that they were leaning on some sort of pitch count. Not throwing him out there for 60 snaps, because he’s been out throughout the entire preseason.”

Based on his snap limit designation and the horde of medication team doctors have prescribed him, it’s likely that Parsons isn’t 100%. However, it appears the team has decided to prioritize his health as he begins his career in Green Bay rather than just throwing him into the fire.

Kickoff between Green Bay and Detroit is scheduled for Sunday Sept. 7 at 4:25 p.m. ET inside Lambeau Field. The Packers are a two-point betting favorite over the Detroit Lions in Green Bay, according to BetMGM. The over/under for the game is set a 47.5 total points.