Having already been eliminated from playoff contention, the Minnesota Vikings aren't playing for much more than pride at this point in the NFL calendar. However, the club just got a late-season boost it didn't need at the expense of perhaps their most heated division rival, the Green Bay Packers.
An MRI confirmed that Packers superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL in their 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos. He faces "at least" a nine-month recovery, meaning his 2025 campaign is officially over.
Losing Parsons has been described as perhaps the most catastrophic blow the Packers have suffered in over a decade. But on the flip side, his absence makes all the difference for a Vikings squad that isn't going quietly into the night.
Minnesota Vikings suddenly get to face Green Bay Packers without Micah Parsons in Week 18
Minnesota notably hosts the Packers in Week 18, and suddenly, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate won't be in the mix. Obviously, Parsons' availability (or lack thereof) will factor into any forecasts or analysis of this NFC North clash.
Parsons is one of six players with at least 12 sacks (12.5) at the time of his crushing injury. This marks the fifth straight year he's reached this milestone, further highlighting how much of a difference-maker we're talking about.
His reputation as a one-man wrecking crew is well-earned, but the Vikings won't need to worry about him -- at least for one game.
The Vikings' offense, specifically second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, is beginning to find its stride in time for their regular-season finale against Green Bay. Parsons' absence presents Minnesota and its young signal-caller with a prime opportunity to end an otherwise disappointing year on a high note.
Slowly but surely, McCarthy is settling in following a turbulent start to his pro career. He posted a 66 percent completion rate and yielded 413 yards, five touchdowns, and an interception in back-to-back Vikings wins over the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys. Why can't we see him do more of the same against the Parsons-less Packers?
The Packers gave up two first-round picks and longtime franchise defensive tackle Kenny Clark to acquire Parsons this past offseason. Oh, and not to mention the subsequent record-shattering payday. Nevertheless, their investment had proven wise until an unfortunate and brutal setback.
Be that as it may, Parsons has been everything the Packers could've asked for and more in his first season with the team. The 26-year-old's 91.9 overall PFF grade ranks third out of 111 edge defenders. Moreover, he boasts an elite 23 percent pass rush win rate, which is tied for third at the position.