Green Bay Packers defense faces low ranking amid Micah Parsons injury

The Green Bay Packers' defense faces early-season challenges due to the absence of star edge defender Micah Parsons, who is recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to miss at least the first four to six games of the 2026 season. Consequently, PFF has ranked the Packers' defense 27th in the NFL heading into Week 1.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst expressed confidence in the team's ability to maintain a viable pass rush during Parsons' absence, stating, “Yeah, I think we do.” Gutekunst noted that while only four edge defenders are on the active roster, the team has bolstered depth by keeping Nyjalik Kelly and Arron Mosby on the practice squad. The unit will rely on players such as Lukas Van Ness and Javon Hargrave to fill the void.

Additionally, Gutekunst dismissed recent trade rumors involving Arizona Cardinals defender Josh Sweat, characterizing claims of negotiations as “coming out of thin air” and stating that no such conversations occurred.