The Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers kick off the 2025 NFL season with an NFC North battle on Sunday. Right before the season began, the Packers made a splashy move to trade for Micah Parsons to bolster their defensive line.
Even though an All-Pro defender is over in Green Bay, head coach Dan Campbell didn't seem to be fazed, saying the team will have an answer for Parsons.
And it seems that Detroit may not be getting a full dosage of Parsons. On Monday, Adam Schefter reported that the new Packers pass rusher is dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back, and he may take an epidural injection in his back ahead of the game.
Parsons is still expected to play, but could be on a pitch count as Green Bay ramps him up, according to Jason B. Hirschhorn of The Leap.
New Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons is expected to play Week 1 despite his back injury, according to @RapSheet.
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) September 1, 2025
Parsons might play on a "pitch count" this week as the team ramps him up to full capacity.
Micah Parsons May Be on Pitch Count vs. Lions
The acquisition of Parsons undoubtedly makes the Packers a more dangerous team on the defensive side of things. The Lions aren't moved by that addition, though. And it's no surprise they aren't due to their elite offensive line. They have a stout tackle duo with Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. In two games against Detroit, Parsons has recorded two sacks and 10 total tackles, but hasn't been able to take over the game.
Before being traded to the Packers, Parsons was "holding in" with the Dallas Cowboys. He's just now stepping out on the field, and instead of letting him be a full go with a back problem against Detroit, they want to take the smart approach.
That is just another advantage for the Lions, as they won't have to face Green Bay with the Packers at full strength. Jayden Reed has a Jones fracture in his foot. Elgton Jenkins is dealing with a back injury, and Nate Hobbs had knee surgery, which kept them sidelined for Monday's practice.
Detroit swept the season series against Green Bay in 2024, which included a 24-14 win at Lambeau Field.
The Lions are looking to do that again and start the campaign off with a 1-0 record. Having fewer plays with Parsons on the field is a win, no matter how you slice it. This is just the first of two matchups between these teams, with the next not coming until Thanksgiving Day, and Detroit has its eyes set on going 1-0.