The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp later this month. This is the next in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2026 season. Today we will examine the edge rushers. We will examine another position each day until the start of training camp. To read our quarterbacks analysis, click here, for defensive tackles, click here, for running backs, click here, click here for linebackers, and here for tight ends. These are three big questions facing the Green Bay Packers at edge rushers entering training camp in 2026:
The Projected Candidates: Starters: Micah Parsons, Lukas Van Ness; Backups: Brenton Cox, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Barryn Sorrell; Fighting for roster spots: Nyjalik Kelly, Arron Mosby, Collin Oliver,
Three Big Questions Facing the Packers at Edge Rusher, Number One: When Will Micah Parsons Return?
Micah Parsons made a big impact on the Packers defense after they acquired him in a trade before the 2025 season started. He’s one of the top two or three edge rushers in the NFL right now. Unfortunately, Parsons suffered a torn ACL in Denver last December and will start the 2026 on the PUP list. As of now, he is expected to return to the field in mid-to-late October. He will likely be on a play count for the first few games after his return to the lineup.
Someone will have to step up and get pressure on the quarterback in Parsons’ absence. Someone will be the starter opposite Lukas Van Ness. It is quite likely multiple players see a significant uptick in their playing time until Parsons returns. The Packers could very well try to replace Parsons by committee early in the season, but at least one player needs to step up and raise their game to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks early in the season.
The Packers will also need Parsons to return to form after he is back in the lineup. Without Parsons, the team has few proven pass rushers behind him although many of the other players have potential.
Number Two: Will Lukas Van Ness Finally Break Out?
The Packers selected Van Ness with the 13th overall pick in 2023. In three seasons, Van Ness has started just two games in three NFL seasons with both coming in 2025.
The former Iowa star has showed flashes of the raw athletic ability that made him a first-round pick, but he hasn’t performed consistently well enough to live up to his draft position. Van Ness has yet to record more than four sacks in an NFL season. He has also struggled with injuries at times during his career.
No doubt Van Ness has improved his game during his three NFL seasons. He plays the run better than he did when he entered the league and he has improved his pass rush techniques. Now he has to put that together and provide the team with consistent production. That will be especially important early in the season when Parsons is out of the lineup. The Packers defense will be counting on Van Ness to be the team’s top pass rusher until their star returns.
Three Big Questions Facing the Packers at Edge Rusher, Number Three: Which Young Players Emerge?
The Packers have plenty of young edge rushers with potential but this season, they need one or more of them to step up and play a bigger role.
Brenton Cox has the most experience of these candidates and has gotten good pressure on quarterbacks when he’s been in the lineup. If he can stay healthy, he can earn a bigger role in the defense this season.
Second-year men Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver are hoping to take a step forward in year two. Sorrell looked promising at OTAs and mandatory minicamp. As a rookie, he showed flashes of ability. Oliver played just one game as a rookie due to injuries. He hopes to get a chance to show what he can do this season.
The Packers also drafted Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth round of this year’s draft. The Penn State alum has an opportunity to establish a role on the defense as a rookie if he can have a strong training camp and preseason. Even if he’s only put in on obvious passing downs, he can contribute as a rookie.
The Packers need at least one of these young players to step forward this season.
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