The Chicago Bears were celebrating their 31-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 when, hours later, they received news that would completely change the outlook for their Week 16 showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
Near the end of the Packers' game against the Denver Broncos, Green Bay edge rusher Micah Parsons got hurt on a non-contact play. It has since been reported that he is believed to have suffered a torn ACL, effectively ending his 2025 season.
It's a crushing blow for the Packers, as he led the team in sacks with 12.5 on the year, becoming the only player in NFL history to have at least 12 sacks in each of his first five seasons. Parsons also missed four games last year with the Dallas Cowboys due to a different injury.
Bears now don't have to deal with Parsons in the Week 16 Packers game
Of course, no one ever wants to see an injury to a player, especially one of the caliber of Parsons, who is regarded as a top-five defensive player in the NFL. With that being said, the Bears are catching a big break not having to face him.
Parsons played a massive role in the Bears' 28-21 loss to the Packers in Week 14. He finished with seven quarterback pressures, six hurries, two quarterback hits, and one tackle in the Packers' win.
This certainly takes the pressure off the offensive line to worry as much about Parsons rushing from the edge or inside. The Packers moved him around, making it challenging for the Bears to scheme for him with their up-front blocking.
Despite the injury, it shouldn't change Chicago's strategy, as they should continue to run the football. The Bears don't know whether Rome Odunze or Luther Burden III will play in the game due to their injuries. Chicago's best move is to hand it off to Kyle Monangai and D'Andre Swift and let them do all the work.
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The Bears will be more prepared for the Packers now and have a fighter's chance at taking them down for good and running away with the NFC North crown.