MRI confirms Packers' Micah Parsons has torn ACL, source says - ESPN

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.

Parsons' knee buckled without contact while he was chasing Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in the third quarter of the Packers' 34-26 loss in Denver on Sunday.

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.»

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

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.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will have to find another way to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Parsons led the NFL with 64 pressures, according to ESPN Analytics. The next-closest Packers player in terms of pressures is