The Green Bay Packers got an important update during OTAs this week about some of the players working to return from major, season-ending injuries. Included in that list was an update on edge rusher Micah Parsons. Parsons announced he was aiming to return to the field in mid-October and that he had a second procedure on his knee to “clean things up.” Parsons rightfully emphasized his long-term health and indicated he did not wish to “rush” his return to the field. This makes sense as a setback could hurt Parsons’ career and the Packers defense. But it also means the Packers biggest short-term need will be adding an edge rusher who can give the team a boost early in the season.

The Latest News Emphasizes the Packers Biggest Short-Term Need: Who’s On the Roster

The Packers do not have another edge rusher who has proven they can be the driving force of the pass rush with Parsons unavailable. Their top available edge rusher is former first-round pick, Lukas Van Ness. Despite his high draft pedigree, the former Iowa star has only started two games in his first three NFL seasons. He has never recorded more than four sacks in a season and has just 8.5 sacks total in three years.

The Packers aren’t sure if Van Ness will be ready to start opposite Parsons once he returns, let alone if he can be the number one edge rusher with Parsons unavailable.

Brenton Cox has never played more than seven games in a season, but when he’s been on the field, he’s demonstrated the ability to rush the passer. He recorded five sacks in his career and 10 quarterback hits. Can he stay healthy and assume a bigger role on defense?

Second-year man Barryn Sorrell appeared in 14 games as a rookie and played 20 percent of the defensive snaps in those games. He recorded 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits. Is Sorrell ready to take a big step forward and start opposite Van Ness?

Collin Oliver survived a red-shirt rookie year in 2025, appearing in just one game. The Packers hope he can stay healthy and compete for a larger role in the defense.

The Packers also drafted Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Will he be ready to contribute much as a rookie? The Packers hope he can add something to the edge rotation.

The Issue

There is potential here, but no proven players. If Parsons misses at least the first four games and be on a play count in his first few games back, the Packers will need someone who can at least provide the team with enough of a pass rush early in the season to thrive.

The good news is, the Packers do not face elite NFL quarterbacks in the first few games of the season. Still, the Packers will not have Parsons at full strength for at least the first six games of the 2026 campaign.

The Packers are in win now mode. The trade for Parsons last season opened a three-year window for this core and we are now entering year two. If this is the case, can GM Brian Gutekunst take a chance on having one of these unproven players step up for the first one-third of the season?

The Latest News Emphasizes the Packers Biggest Short-Term Need: Looking Ahead

The Packers were reportedly exploring a trade for Josh Sweat of the Arizona Cardinals. Sweat played for new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and is coming off a career-high 12 sack campaign.

However, the Cardinals just announced that they are not looking to move Sweat, putting a damper on the rumors.

The Packers should now be looking elsewhere for a veteran starting edge rusher who can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team doesn’t lack edge rushing talent, but they do lack proven talent. The Packers have multiple day three draft picks in 2027 as a result of trades and expected compensatory picks. They could part with one of those picks to add a pass rusher who could help them in the short term.

For a win-now team, this move makes sense. If the Packers are truly serious about contending for a Super Bowl this season, they will need to upgrade the depth at edge rusher.

 

 

 

 

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