A previously scheduled padded practice Wednesday becomes a getting-to-know-you moment and test of health for Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said Parsons plans to test his ailing back in preparation for taking the field Sunday when the regular season begins in Green Bay with a visit from the NFC North champion Detroit Lions.
“We’ll see. He’s doing everything in his power,” LaFleur said. “He’s rehabbing hard. We’ve got to get through a couple practices to see how he responds, but certainly hopeful.”
The Packers traded defensive end Kenny Clark and multiple draft picks to the Cowboys and were made aware of a back injury by team doctors in Dallas prior to performing their own physical — and confirming the ailment — on Friday. Parsons was sitting out of training camp for contract-related reasons but also went for an MRI on his back days before the trade to Green Bay was finalized.
According to reports, Parsons would require an epidural in his back to be on the field this weekend because of sprained L4 and L5 facet joints, a reference to the lumbar vertebrae in his lower back. Anatomically, the joints are critical for stabilization and vital for range of motion when bending, twisting and movements that require rotating the spine.
Parsons is preparing as if he’ll take the field with his new teammates in what LaFleur said is the closest there is in the regular season to a playoff atmosphere: Week 1 at Lambeau Field.
LaFleur said the Packers have had numerous meetings with Parsons to get him up to speed, and he’s easily keeping pace.
“We’re extremely fortunate. I would say he’s got an extremely high football IQ just sitting down with him,” LaFleur said. “I don’t think he’ll have any issues. He’s an extremely bright guy.”
