Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons has been named a contender for a major award in the 2026 season despite his injury.
Green Bay Packers superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons will miss the start of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Parsons will likely return around Week 6 and will provide a major boost for Green Bay's defense.
Despite missing the start of the season, NFL.com has named Parsons as the fifth-most likely player to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Parsons had an incredible first season in Green Bay, recording 41 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass deflection. He was named to the All-Pro First Team despite only appearing in 14 games.
His impact goes beyond the numbers, as opposing offenses are often forced to double-team, which opens up opportunities for the rest of the defensive line to go one-on-one and pressure the quarterback.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWhen Parsons returns, he will change their defense to play at a high level. The 27-year-old has the talent to make a significant impact and win the Comeback Player of the Year Award despite missing around five games to start the season.
The Packers will have a challenging start to the year without Parsons and will need their other pass rushers to step up. One player Green Bay will lean on off the edge is former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness.
Van Ness appeared in nine games in 2025, finishing with 19 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. While these numbers aren't impressive, he has played at a high level in training camp and could be a key piece for the Packers.
Green Bay will also rely on their interior pass rush with Devonte Wyatt and Javon Hargrave. Wyatt was having a breakout campaign in 2025 before going down with an injury, as he had 27 total tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, and two pass deflections.
Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowler, should pair well next to Wyatt. In 2025, he recorded 52 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
The Packers are in their Super Bowl window, and if Parsons returns and plays at a high level, he could win the Comeback Player of the Year Award and help Green Bay be a contender.
