Green Bay Packers Lean on Young Rushers as Parsons Rehab Progresses

Green Bay Packers enter the 2026 season with a thin pass‑rush, as All‑Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons starts the year on the PUP list. The team sits 10th in the AFC with a 7‑10 record and a one‑game losing streak, and will open its next game against the Minnesota Vikings on 2026‑09-13.

How will the Packers fill the Parsons void?

The front office added veteran tackle Javon Hargrave and drafted Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis‑Sutton in the fourth round. Both players join second‑year Collin Oliver, creating a three‑man rotation that Coach Jonathan Gannon hopes will keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Who are the young pass‑rushers expected to step up?

Lukas Van Ness, the former No. 13 overall pick, is slated to anchor the line until Parsons returns, likely around mid‑October. Dennis‑Sutton, a rookie with 8.5 sacks in college last season, could earn a starting role opposite Van Ness in the first few weeks. Oliver, limited to one snap as a rookie, will provide depth and may see increased reps during training camp.

What does this mean for the Packers' defense?

Without Parsons, the defense allowed 400 yards in three of the final four games of 2025 and recorded only two sacks in that span. The added depth aims to prevent a repeat of that drop‑off. If Van Ness and Dennis‑Sutton can generate consistent pressure, the unit should retain its status as one of the league’s top defenses when Parsons returns.

When can fans expect Parsons back?

Parsons is expected to be cleared for practice by mid‑October, which could line up with a Week 6 matchup against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. Until then, Gannon’s scheme will lean heavily on the youthful pass‑rush, testing the coaching staff’s ability to develop talent quickly.

Key takeaway: The Packers’ early‑season success hinges on how fast Van Ness and Dennis‑Sutton adapt, while the team watches Parsons’ recovery timeline closely.