Rob DemovskyDec 15, 2025, 01:18 PM ETCloseRob Demovsky is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Green Bay Packers. He has covered the Packers since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2013. Demovsky is a two-time Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year as selected by the NSSA.Follow on X
An MRI on Monday confirmed that Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons sustained a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee, a source told ESPN.
This is the first major injury of Parsons’ NFL career. He missed four games last season because of an ankle injury but otherwise has missed only one other regular-season game since he entered the NFL in 2021.
Parsons posted a message on social media on Monday afternoon, calling the injury his “greatest test” and vowed to “rise again.”
Parsons’ first season with the Packers will end with 12.5 sacks, making him the first player in NFL history with at least 12 sacks in each of his first five NFL seasons.
Given the timetable for most ACL recoveries, it’s possible that Parsons will miss games to start next season. The Packers typically hold out players for 10 months following ACL surgery. This year, receiver Christian Watson returned to game action 294 days after his ACL tear. A similar timeline would have Parsons back in early October next season, meaning he could miss at least four games.
“For the rest of the season, what we got, three more opportunities?” Gary said after the game. “Watch how the front play. We had a meeting at the end, brought all the guys up, understanding that there’s going to be a lot of opportunities the next three weeks and we’ve got to take advantage of it, so you’re going to see how we play.”
“Just got to find a way to be consistent to get to where we want to be as a team,” he said. “We’ve got to shut things down up front, be more aggressive, how we’ve been and always be on the same page as 11 but especially as a four up front.”
Parsons’ injury not only hit hard in the Packers’ locker room but also around the league, especially with his former Dallas Cowboys teammates.
Said Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs: “I was devastated. As soon as I seen that happened, I texted him, made sure he was good. That’s my Day 1. That’s my brother and I’ve been though it so I know how he’s feeling right now. I just want him to keep him on y’all’s prayers, make sure he’s prayed up and I’m going to make sure I’m there for him every step of the way, make sure he is good.”
CloseRob Demovsky is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Green Bay Packers. He has covered the Packers since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2013. Demovsky is a two-time Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year as selected by the NSSA.Follow on X
I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated. This injury is my greatest test-a moment God allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe He walks with me through this storm and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart could carry it. I’m deeply grateful to the Packers… pic.twitter.com/KZy6TZKJfs
Gary said he initiated the meeting with his fellow defensive linemen.
Can Packers make a deep playoff run without Micah Parsons? (1:38)Rex Ryan and Dan Orlovsky express their doubts about Packers’ playoff hopes without Micah Parsons. (1:38)