Parsons suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and required additional meniscus repair during a late-December game against the Denver Broncos last season. Following surgery on December 29, the star edge rusher set a strict baseline of at least nine months of recovery before returning to contact. Rather than rushing back onto the turf at Ford Field, both Parsons and the Green Bay medical staff are prioritizing complete kinetic strength balance to prevent overcompensation injuries elsewhere in his body.

Speaking on his podcast, The Edge with Micah Parsons, the defender explained the physiological reasoning behind his cautious approach. “If the Super Bowl was this week, I’m playing in the Super Bowl,” Parsons noted. “But it’s just about me making sure I have all the small things fixed first. What a lot of people don’t figure out is it’s not just the ACL… throughout the history of ACL, they notice if you come back early, there tends to be an overcompensation injury on the other side.”

When will Micah Parsons return for the Green Bay Packers?

With Green Bay keeping Parsons sidelined for Week 7, attention turns toward the coming weeks. Because opening his 21-day practice window triggers a mandatory timeline to activate him to the 53-man roster, Green Bay is waiting until he can log full-speed reps without limitation.

• Target Return Window: League insiders point to Week 9 against the New England Patriots (November 8) as the earliest realistic target for Parsons’ 2026 debut, allowing two to three weeks of practice ramp-up.
• No Setbacks: LaFleur emphasized that the delayed timeline does not indicate a setback, but rather adherence to Green Bay’s standard nine-month protocol for major joint procedures.
• Field Condition Caution: Playing on artificial turf in Detroit influenced the decision to give Parsons additional recovery time before his season debut.

Why Parsons’ return will be a game-changer for Green Bay’s defense

Despite missing their primary edge defender, Green Bay’s defense has stayed competitive, but adding an elite pass rusher down the stretch drastically alters their championship ceiling. Before his injury, Parsons stood as one of the most game-disrupting forces in football, capable of destroying protection schemes single-handedly.

Reinserting Parsons into the defensive front will free up interior linebackers, create one-on-one matchups for peripheral pass rushers, and give Green Bay the elite closing speed required to compete with powerhouses across the NFC.

Key takeaways

• Micah Parsons is not playing today against the Detroit Lions as he remains on the Reserve/PUP list.
• Parsons is recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus repair suffered in late December, choosing a cautious approach to avoid overcompensation injuries.
• Insiders target Week 9 against the New England Patriots as the earliest potential return date once his 21-day practice window opens.

After missing the team’s first six games while on administrative leave, Jacobs was officially removed from the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt list, clearing his final administrative hurdle to take the field at Ford Field. Jacobs’ placement on the Commissioner Exempt list back in late August followed an offseason legal situation stemming from a May incident.

Last month, Jacobs resolved his legal proceedings by pleading no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges. Following the legal resolution and paying a $1,000 fine, the NFL lifted his exempt status on Monday, making him immediately eligible to return to full team practice and game-day activity.

Is Josh Jacobs suspended?

No. While the NFL’s personal conduct policy investigation remains ongoing—meaning the league reserves the right to issue future disciplinary action if warranted—there is no active league suspension in place for Week 7. With a full week of practice under his belt and official activation to the 53-man roster on Saturday, Jacobs takes his rightful spot in Green Bay’s backfield.

What’s Packers RB depth chart vs Lions with Josh Jacobs?

Having Jacobs back instantly elevates the ceiling of Matt LaFleur’s offense, giving Green Bay its primary focal point in the ground game alongside an emerging group of young rushers.

Josh Jacobs is RB1 although there’s no certainty about how many snaps he’ll get. The rest of the depth chart for the Packers’ offense includes MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr. and Kaleb Johnson.

Key takeaways

• Josh Jacobs is playing today against the Detroit Lions after being officially removed from the Commissioner Exempt list and activated to the 53-man roster.
• Jacobs faces no immediate suspension for Week 7 following his misdemeanor plea deal, though the league’s personal conduct review remains open.
• Jacobs steps back into the RB1 role for Green Bay, backed up by MarShawn Lloyd and Pierre Strong Jr.

“I feel bad if there was any sort of distraction to the team or my teammates or the coaches, but I think there was maybe a bit of a misconception with, I guess — my intentions are I want to play for this team,” LaPorta said to the press. “I give everything I have. My teammates do, as well. They all love me, respect me and support me, and they want to see me be happy and be compensated.”

It’s not an easy decision, especially with LaPorta and his partner expecting the arrival of their daughter. Moments like these are bound to make him more reflective, as he carefully considers every step before deciding what comes next in his career.

“I guess I wouldn’t expect anybody else to really even care, but emotionally for me and my family, it’s an important thing for us,” he also added. “We want to have stability. We’re excited, in the coming months, we’re gonna have our first kid, me and my wife. We’re gonna welcome our baby girl into the world in Metro Detroit. We want to be here with the Lions.

“I guess I’m getting emotional about it, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s really a business. And you have to respect what the front office is doing because they’re the ones calling the shots. They’re the ones that brought me in. This is my first team. They’ve been nothing but supportive of me and my career.”

LaPorta’s contract situation in Detroit

Sam LaPorta is currently playing under his original four-year, $9.47 million rookie contract ($2.36M AAV, $3.88M signing bonus, and $7.51M guaranteed), which pays him a $5.68 million base salary in 2026.

Looking ahead to his next deal, he might be aiming to become the highest-paid tight end in NFL history by cracking the $18M to $20M per year range—potentially eclipsing George Kittle’s market-topping $19.1M annual salary—on a projected four-year extension worth $72M to $80M with roughly $38M to $46M in guarantees.

Numbers that back up his contract demands

LaPorta definitely has the resume to back up his pay demands. He burst onto the scene in 2023 with a legendary rookie season, setting franchise tight end records with 86 receptions, 889 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. He followed that up with another rock-solid 60 catches for 726 yards and 7 TDs in 2024, proving he wasn’t just a one-year wonder.

After bouncing back from a back injury in 2025, he’s already back to elite form in 2026—hauling in 27 catches for 316 yards and 3 TDs through just 5 games. Across 47 career games, he’s posted 213 receptions, 2,420 yards, and 23 touchdowns, making him a top-five receiving threat at his position and giving him all the leverage he needs to ask for top-of-the-market tight end money.

Key takeaways

• Sam LaPorta is entering the final year of his original four-year, $9.47 million rookie contract.
• Sam LaPorta might be aiming to become the highest-paid tight end by targeting a $72M to $80M extension.
• Sam LaPorta set franchise records in 2023 with 86 receptions, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns.

Love had been dealing with a minor back issue early in the week, while Watson was limited by an ankle injury. However, after turning in strong practice sessions, both key players avoided game-day statuses and will be on the field vs Lions.

This is all a massive relief for head coach Matt LaFleur as Green Bay prepares for a high-stakes NFC North battle. Having two of their primary offensive engines healthy instantly elevates the Packers’ stock against a tough rival like Detroit.

Christian Watson remains a primary game-changer for Green Bay

When healthy, Watson serves as the dynamic deep threat that fundamentally alters how opposing defenses cover the Packers’ offense. His elite speed and length stretch safeties vertically. That opens up crucial passing lanes underneath for the rest of Green Bay’s receiving corps.

Watson’s big-play ability and knack for finding the end zone have made him a top-tier weapon for Love this season. Having him fully cleared without limitation gives the offense the explosive gear it needs to keep pace in high-scoring contests.

Jordan Love excels despite a struggling ground attack

Love has put together an impressive 2026 NFL season, showing tremendous poise and arm talent to carry the offense. He has repeatedly delivered clutch throws under heavy pressure.

What makes his production even more notable is doing it without much assistance from a steady run game. With defenses zeroing in on the pass, Love has continued to burn secondaries. He has effectively carried the scoring workload almost entirely on his own shoulders.

Key takeaways

• Jordan Love and Christian Watson are cleared to play in Week 7 against Detroit.
• Jordan Love suffered a back issue while Christian Watson dealt with an ankle injury.
• Love has thrived without a steady run game so far.

The break comes after they wrapped up their fifth game with a convincing 45-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on October 11. Unlike an injury-related absence or a postponed matchup, a bye week is built into the NFL schedule to give teams time away from game action during the regular season.

Dan Campbell‘s team will not have a game to prepare for this Sunday, allowing the coaching staff and players to recover, evaluate their performance and address areas that need improvement before returning to the field.

When do the Detroit Lions play next after their Week 6 bye?

The Detroit Lions will return to action on Sunday, October 25, 2026, against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 of the NFL regular season. The divisional matchup is scheduled for 4:25 PM ET at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

They will have a full weekend off before beginning preparations for one of its most important divisional matchups of the season. They enter their bye week with a 3-2 record after defeating the Arizona Cardinals 45-21 on October 11.

The victory gave Detroit momentum heading into the break, following a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 4. The upcoming game will be the Lions’ first of two consecutive home matchups against NFC North opponents.

After hosting Green Bay, they will welcome the Vikings to Ford Field on Sunday, November 1, at 1 PM ET. Those games will give them an opportunity to strengthen their position in the division as the regular season progresses.

Game details

• Matchup: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
• Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
• Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET
• Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
• TV channel: FOX
• NFL week: Week 7

Coker missed Carolina’s first practice on Wednesday, but he put in limited work on both Thursday and Friday, and the questionable tag opened the door to him playing in Week 4.

Unfortunately, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning that Coker was “unlikely to play” on Sunday night. His report proved right, as Coker is inactive for the Panthers against the Lions in Week 4.

Wide receiver depth chart

McMillan can be a one-man offense when he gets rolling, and his presence here helps cover for a multitude of sins. Plus, Tremayne has come on of late when given an opportunity, and the Panthers boast a deep tight end room with Tommy Tremble, Darren Waller, and Mitchell Evans.

Still, though, it is hard not to look at this depth chart and wonder what could have been — and for how much longer Young and head coach Dave Canales can keep this offense afloat.

There is just very little in the way of proven NFL production behind T-Mac, which will allow even a vulnerable secondary like Detroit’s to key on him and make somebody else beat them. Coker had been filling that void expertly through two weeks, but at a certain point you run out of bodies.

What Coker provided

Coker put up a whopping 16 catches for 204 yards and two touchdowns across Carolina’s first two games and seemed poised for a breakout year three. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play tonight.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Coker is not playing against Detroit on Sunday Night Football.
• Tommy Tremble, Darren Waller, and Mitchell Evans form a deep tight end room.
• 16 catches for 204 yards and two touchdowns were compiled across two games.

Detroit bounced back from a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills with a win over the New York Jets, advancing to 2-1 on the young season. Now, it’s off to Carolina to take on a reigning division champion, the Panthers.

On the Panthers’ side, after blowing out the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, the Carolina Panthers suffered a setback this past week, falling to the Cleveland Browns 21-18. That puts them at 1-2 for the season.

Both franchises have their quarterback depth charts established ahead of the prime-time matchup. The Lions feature Jared Goff as their starting quarterback, with Joshua Dobbs serving as the first backup. For the Panthers, Bryce Young leads the offense as QB1, backed up by Kenny Pickett at QB2 and Haynes King as QB3.

What the Lions will need

Goff remains one of the NFL‘s most efficient quarterbacks early in this season, as he has yet to throw an interception and ranks fourth in passing yards up to this point. He can enter early MVP talks if he puts on another show in front of a national audience.

Goff will have his primary weapon available in Jahmyr Gibbs, who continues to be one of the best backs in the league and is expected to be utilized heavily once again. With teams continuing to play shell coverages against the Lions, he can be used as a receiver as well. Vaki continues to improve in pass protection and has seen his role grow as the second option.

What the Panthers will need

On Young’s side, if the Panthers want any shot of competing against the Lions—given the absence of Jalen Coker—in what is set up to be a potential shootout, Carolina will need a big game from quarterback Bryce Young and McMillan, his top target.

The Lions lead the NFL in passing yards allowed this season, and this matchup is perfect for Carolina to air the ball out against this struggling secondary. It is also a bounce-back opportunity for McMillan, who had just two receptions for 17 yards last week.

Key takeaways

• A 2-1 record was reached by Detroit entering the Sunday night matchup.
• Jared Goff is QB1 for Detroit, with Joshua Dobbs serving as backup.
• Bryce Young leads Carolina as QB1, backed up by Kenny Pickett.

Mitchell is out due to a hand injury that limited him in practice. The Jets are taking the precautionary measures to make sure that Mitchell recovers properly. Hence, the Lions won’t have to deal with him.

It is very likely that the wide receiver comes back for Week 4. The Lions are relieved as their secondary has been scorched during the early portions of the 2026 NFL season. Still, they have to deal with Garrett Wilson.

Adonai Mitchell has been stellar

The Jets will certainly miss AD Mitchell. Throughout the first two weeks of the season, Mitchell has 15 targets (1st on the Jets), nine catches (2nd), and 123 yards (2nd) so far. His numbers go alongside Wilson’s.

Mitchell, however, is also a guy who runs deeper yards than Wilson. Hence, his 13.7 yards per reception is the best in the team for players with more than two targets so far. He hasn’t scored yet, which makes his outlook even greater with potential to grow.

Mitchell being out is a blow for NFL Fantasy managers

Mitchell was arguably one of the strongest waiver wire pickups this week due to his great performances. Many managers rushed to pick him up and had him as a WR2-Flex option. Now, they are forced to call an audible on their lineups.

Still, given that the injury doesn’t seem to be long-term, managers should keep Mitchell to see if the volume continues in the next few weeks. After all, he seems to be a good Flex option por the rest of the season.

Key takeaways

• Receiver Adonai Mitchell will miss the Week 3 game against the Detroit Lions with a hand injury.
• Through two weeks, Mitchell accumulated 15 targets and 123 yards for the Jets.
• Mitchell was considered a strong waiver wire pickup for fantasy football managers.

Pacheco arrived in Detroit to serve as Jahmyr Gibbs’ primary backup in the running game. Unfortunately for Dan Campbell, he will have to wait a little longer to see the former Chiefs running back on the gridiron. “It’s going to be a while,” the head coach said to the press.

The depth chart behind Gibbs this season features two other names who can be utilized by the coaching staff if needed. The first is Sione Vaki, while Jacob Saylors is further down.

What injury did Pacheco suffer?

Things haven’t gone as planned for Isiah Pacheco after signing with the Lions this past offseason. His camp was derailed early on by a knee issue, and just when he was trying to work his way back, a persistent back injury flared up.

The team ended up placing him on IR, and he ultimately had to undergo back surgery to clean things up, putting him on a rough 12-week recovery timeline that keeps him out until around the end of the year.

Pacheco’s successful run with Chiefs Kingdom

During his four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2022 to 2025, Pacheco accumulated 2,537 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 576 carries across 51 regular-season games, while adding 88 receptions for 554 yards and 3 receiving scores.

A vital engine in the backfield, he also claimed two Super Bowl titles with Kansas City (LVII and LVIII), adding another 547 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in 10 postseason appearances.

Key takeaways

• Isiah Pacheco undergo back surgery that will keep him sidelined until at least December.
• Head coach Dan Campbell noted that it will be a while before Pacheco returns.
• Pacheco amassed 2,537 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in his four seasons with Kansas City.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Moore’s shoulder injury isn’t as bad, but that doesn’t mean he will come back. Per Schefter, his source said, Moore “has a chance to play next week (vs. the Chargers), but it’s not a lock, either.”

The good news is the injury isn’t considered serious by the doctors. Hence, he has a ‘day-to-day‘ label. Given that the Bills have a long week after dismantling the Lions on Thursday Night Football, they remain hopeful that Moore can suit up.

The Bills still looked great without Moore

While Moore is important and clearly the WR1 of the team, the Bills still had an incredible offensive output. The fact is that when Josh Allen is the quarterback, the offense will produce regardless. With Moore, life’s easier, but without him, the Bills still move the chains.

Against the Lions, they scored 41 points, put up 446 total yards. The Bills are an unstoppable force. With Moore, they just add more firepower in a multidimensional level, as Moore can operate in many ways.

The game vs Chargers should be another shootout

While the Chargers started very slow, the offense projects to be absolutely fireworks too. Both defenses have stuff to clean out, hence, Week 3 could be a third-straight high-scoring game for Buffalo.

The Bills scored 41 against the Lions. However, while a great win, the team also allowed a hefty 31 points to Detroit. Still, it was a great performance overall for a team that had a capacity crowd stadium roaring.

The new Highmark Stadium cost a fortune but it looks like an impressive venue for one of the most intense fanbases in all of football. In the end, that fanbase saw its team win in a game with a total of 72 points scored.

How many points were scored in Old Highmark’s first game?

Old Highmark opened its doors to the NFL for a regular-season game on September 30, 1973. The game was a very low-scoring affair as Buffalo won 9-7 against the Jets.

Hence, it was the complete opposite. The Old Highmark presented old-school football and ended up being a close-yet-boring matchup. Meanwhile, the 2026 opening of the New Highmark, that has new roof features, presented two explosive offenses.

The Bills started the 2026 NFL season in outstanding form

Week 1 was a bad matchup for the Bills. They had to visit NFL’s most elite defense in Houston. Josh Allen had no fear and stole a win from Reliant Stadium as the Bills scored more than 30 points against a defense that had no answers for the superstar quarterback.

Now, they dispatched a top-tier offense by overpowering them. The Bills almost scored double of what the Lions were able to score. That is a statement. Their defense still needs some improvement, but the Bills are 2-0 and they played two of their toughest games already.