The Green Bay Packers open the 2025 season against the Detroit Lions and they may have to play without newcomer Micah Parsons. 

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Parsons has been dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back. The former Dallas Cowboys star may need an epidural injection to play against the Lions. 

While Parsons has been practicing this week, one source told Schefter that it's unknown if the four-time Pro Bowler will play on Sunday. 

The Packers traded two first-round picks and Kenny Clark to the Cowboys for Parsons, who requested a trade from Dallas. Green Bay signed Parsons to a four-year, $188 million extension that included $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees. 

The 26-year-old Parsons has 52.5 career sacks in the NFL. He's one of the best defensive players in the league and many pundits believe the Packers are the team to beat in the NFC now with Parsons in the fold.

However, back injuries can be very tricky, as they can linger for a while. The Packers would be wise to play it safe with Parsons, who was prescribed a five-day plan of an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid with the Cowboys before getting traded.