Packers Gear Up for Browns Showdown as Key Players Return
The Green Bay Packers made significant strides in their preparation for Sunday’s clash against the Cleveland Browns, as they released their first injury report of the week. Two critical developments emerged that could impact the game significantly.
Micah Parsons Off Injury Report
Notably, star linebacker Micah Parsons, who had previously been dealing with a back injury, is now fully cleared. After limited participation in the first two weeks with the team, Parsons is officially off the injury list, a promising sign for the Packers as they face a formidable Browns squad.
Parsons has already made his mark since joining the Packers, tallying 1.5 sacks after his acquisition from Dallas post-training camp. He currently ranks eighth among edge defenders in pressures and sixth in pass-rush win rate, according to Pro Football Focus. Now that he’s healthier, he is primed to be a disruptive force on the field.
“It’s a terrific front. It was a great front before they added Micah Parsons, who’s a great player,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged, underscoring the challenge his team will face.
Aaron Banks Declares Himself Ready
In another encouraging update, left guard Aaron Banks, who has been nursing a groin injury, declared himself ready to return to action against Cleveland. After a limited session on Wednesday, Banks expressed his eagerness to get back on the field.
“I’m good. I’ll be up on Sunday,” Banks said confidently after practice. He missed last week’s game against Washington due to ankle and groin issues but has now focused solely on the groin for this week’s report.
Banks was previously sidelined along with right tackle Zach Tom, who is also recovering from an oblique injury. Tom, who was injured while attempting to hurdle quarterback Jordan Love during an overturned interception in the season opener, participated in individual drills but admitted he was still feeling the impact of his injury.
“It’s kind of hard to run. That’s the main thing,” Tom explained. “I feel like moving side to side I’m good, but anything that involves me trying to get out and open up, that’s like where I can feel it a little bit. We’ve just got to work through it.”
Packers Hope to Reinforce Offensive Line
The Packers’ offensive line will be crucial against a Browns defense that currently ranks first in total defense, rushing defense, and third in passing defense. With standout defensive end Myles Garrett leading the charge, the Packers will need all hands on deck.
Banks, who was previously teammates with Collins in San Francisco, shared his frustration at being unable to play last week. “I hate not being out there and having to sit there and watch and do stuff on the side,” he lamented.
He described the peculiar experience of being sidelined on game day, expressing his desire to contribute positively, even without suiting up: “I just try to bring the juice on the sideline and bring energy to the team the best way I can.”
Injury Updates from Both Sides
On the injury front, the Packers reported that receiver Jayden Reed was the only player who did not participate in practice, while several others, including Banks and Tom, were limited.
For the Browns, right tackle Jack Conklin was also limited in practice after missing last week’s loss to the Ravens. “All these guys are progressing with their rehab, and we’ll see how it goes the next couple of days,” Stefanski noted, hinting at potential improvements before the upcoming game.
As both teams prepare for this crucial matchup, the return of key players like Parsons and Banks could provide the Packers with the much-needed advantage against a tough Cleveland defense.
