Micah Parsons' Injury Revealed Days After Blockbuster Trade

Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons has reportedly been dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday (September 1), just days after Parsons was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys.

"Packers LB Micah Parsons has been dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back and he may take an epidural injection prior to Sunday’s game vs. the Lions if needed to help him play, per sources," Schefter wrote on his X account.

The Cowboys reportedly prescribed a five-day plan of an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid to help Parsons recover from back tightness, as well as having him on a physical therapy program, prior to trading him to the Packers last Thursday (August 28). The former All-Pro has, however, been practicing since arriving in Green Bay and will try to play in Sunday's (September 7) season opener against the Detroit Lions, though his status is reportedly uncertain, according to one source.

Parsons was sent to the Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks. The All-Pro pass rusher plans to sign a four-year, $188 million deal with $136 million guaranteed, upon arriving in Green Bay, which will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a $47 million annual salary.

The trade concludes a month of drama within the Cowboys organization after Parsons shared a lengthy statement publicly requesting a trade on his social media accounts.

"Yes I wanted to be here," Parsons wrote on August 1. "I did everything I could to show that I wanted to be a Cowboys and wear the star on my helmet. I wanted to play in front of the best fans in sports and make this Americas team once again. The team my pops and I grew up cheering for way up in Harrisburg, PA. Unfortunately I no longer want to be here. I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present. I no longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization our fans and my teammates. I no longer want narratives created and spread to the media about me. I had purposely stayed quiet in hopes of getting something done."

Parsons' confirmation came hours after the Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that Parsons' relationship with the Cowboys had "deteriorated" among ongoing contract negotiations to the point that he's considering a trade request or even "severing his relationship with the team." The Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option on Parsons' rookie contract, which was set to expire after the 2025 season.

The Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option on Parsons' rookie contract, which was set to expire after the 2025 season. The former Penn State standout is one of the league's best pass rushers, winning the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award and has been selected as an All-Pro and Pro Bowler during each of his first three NFL seasons.