Many assumed the back injury Micah Parsons has dealt with this summer was simply an excuse to hold out from the Dallas Cowboys' preseason. Apparently not.
The Green Bay Packers may need to ease their new pass-rusher into game action, with his status for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions reportedly uncertain. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Parsons is dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back and "may be able to play with an epidural."
"While most assumed Micah Parsons' hold-in was due to a phony back problem, it was, instead, partially due to a real back problem," Rapoport writes. "He will continue physical therapy in Green Bay."
Packers reportedly face uncertainty over Micah Parsons' status for Week 1
It's not an ideal situation, especially only days after the Packers sent two first-round picks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the Cowboys.
However, it's also not time to panic. Remember, Parsons passed his physical in Green Bay. It's hard to imagine the Packers would've signed off on such a big-time trade if they had any long-term concerns over Parsons' injury.
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That said, it's an important reminder that he may not be a full-go immediately. The Packers already need to take caution after Parsons skipped practices and the preseason games while in Dallas. They need to ramp up his snaps carefully. His back issue further complicates things.
"Might Micah Parsons be willing to do everything possible to get on the field for his new team on Sunday, the team that invested two draft picks, a player and $47M in him? Believe he will," Rapoport added.
Again, we have to trust the Packers' medical staff. Not only did they give the green light during his physical — and they would've been aware of the injury — but they won't take any unnecessary risks that put him in long-term danger.
Still, it's something to monitor. Back issues can be awkward, so the Packers will need to move cautiously before rushing their new all-world pass-rusher into regular-season action.