Dallas matchup arrives before Parsons has clearance to practice

Micah Parsons still has not been medically cleared to return to practice, leaving the Packers preparing for Sunday’s home game against his former team without a firm date for his comeback.

Matt LaFleur said Monday that Parsons is making progress, but the medical staff has yet to approve his return to the field. The Green Bay coach’s update came as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Packers do not expect the pass rusher to resume practicing this week.

Parsons remains on the physically unable to perform list following reconstructive knee surgery. He tore his ACL during a game in Denver last December and also needed a meniscus repair, according to the Packers’ official update.

LaFleur said the work before clearance includes testing the repaired leg’s strength and stamina against the other leg. Even after Parsons is allowed to practice, the coach expects him to need time to build back toward playing football.

The distinction matters for Dallas and Green Bay. Sunday’s matchup offers a chance for Parsons to face the Cowboys, but progress in rehabilitation does not supply a game date. Schefter reported that there is still uncertainty about his return, with hope that it could come this month.

Green Bay’s next game after Dallas is at Detroit. LaFleur said Ford Field’s artificial surface would not automatically prevent a return there, although getting Parsons back into practice is the first step.

For Parsons, the next change to watch is medical clearance and actual practice participation. Green Bay has announced neither a return to practice nor a confirmed game comeback.

Sources

Parsons gets closer while awaiting medical clearance