The Green Bay Packers would love to have star pass-rusher Micah Parsons back on the field as soon as possible. However, former Packers offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga believes patience is the best approach when it comes to Parsons’ recovery from a torn ACL.
While Parsons continues to make progress in his rehab, Bulaga recently explained why Green Bay should resist the temptation to rush its biggest defensive star back into action.
Bryan Bulaga Knows the Reality of ACL Recovery
Bulaga speaks from experience. The former Packers tackle suffered two ACL tears during his NFL career and understands that recovering physically is only part of the challenge. Appearing on ESPN Milwaukee, Bulaga emphasized that Parsons needs to regain complete confidence in his knee before returning to game action.
According to Bulaga, Parsons’ game is built around explosive movement, lateral quickness, and his ability to bend around blockers. Any hesitation could limit the traits that make him one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders.
“You want him to have zero thought about that knee,” Bulaga said. “You want him to just be like he was before that ACL.” That mindset is why Bulaga believes a Week 7 or Week 8 return would be ideal.
Packers Must Think Beyond the 2026 Season
The temptation to rush Parsons back is understandable. Green Bay paid a significant price to acquire the superstar defender, and his absence could impact several important games early in the season. However, Bulaga believes the Packers must focus on the bigger picture.
As he pointed out, Parsons is not simply a player the Packers need for one season. He is a long-term cornerstone of the franchise.
Returning too early could create unnecessary risks, especially for a player whose game depends on elite athleticism and explosiveness. Allowing him additional time to recover ensures he can return as the same player who was one of the most feared pass-rushers in football before the injury.
Green Bay Will Need Others to Step Up
If Parsons misses the first half of the season, the pressure will shift to the rest of Green Bay’s pass-rushing group.
Players like Lukas Van Ness will be asked to carry a larger workload while the defense waits for its superstar to return. It won’t be easy, especially considering how much the Packers struggled after Parsons suffered the injury late last season. Still, Green Bay believes the temporary sacrifice could pay major dividends later in the year.
Patience Could Pay Off for Packers
Nobody wants to see Parsons sitting on the sideline into October. However, Bulaga’s comments highlight an important reality of ACL recoveries. The goal isn’t simply getting back on the field; it’s returning at full strength without hesitation or limitations.
If that means waiting until Week 7 or Week 8, the Packers should gladly accept it. A fully healthy Micah Parsons for a playoff push is far more valuable than rushing him back a few weeks early and risking the long-term investment Green Bay made in one of the league’s premier defensive stars.
