The Green Bay Packers are optimistic they will get to unleash their new stud pass rusher in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. Micah Parsons has been limited in both practices this week due to a back injury, but Matt LaFleur said Wednesday they are “certainly hopeful” he will be able to play.
Parsons will most likely play on a snap count on Sunday. Even in limited snaps, the three-time All-Pro could be a massive headache for the Lions.
Meanwhile, the Packers will have to be worried about Detroit’s version of Parsons, whom they didn’t have to face in both meetings last season.
Aidan Hutchinson was on an NFL Defensive Player of the Year-type trajectory before suffering a broken leg that ended his season after just five games. Green Bay didn’t face the Lions until Week 9, but in those five games, Hutchinson had already logged 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss.
The 2022 second overall pick is the heart and soul of the Lions’ defense. After working his way back from injury, he is raring to go entering Year 4.
“I can’t wait to watch him go,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday. “He’s put in a lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of hard work to get back to where he’s at right now. And when you have the game taken away from you — for whatever reasons — it just gives you a little extra motivation to come back. So, I’m excited to watch him. He’s going to be ready to go.”
Conversely, LaFleur is well aware of what a healthy Hutchinson can do.
“You’re talking about one of the premier players in the National Football League,” LaFleur said. “The guy is a game wrecker, and it shows up all over the tape in both the run game and in the pass game. I think that’s pretty special to have a guy that’s capable of doing that, but he’s a relentless competitor. He works really hard, and he causes a lot of havoc.”
The Packers’ offensive line needs to be ready. In his first games against Green Bay, Hutchinson has helped Detroit to a 3-1 record, totaling 3.5 sacks and an interception.
So while the Packers are eager to see what Parsons can bring, the Lions are just as eager with Hutchinson. Detroit was 15-2 without him for most of last season, and now they get their defensive centerpiece back in the fold.
