Sep 9, 2026, 9:00 AM CT
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I hate to say it, but I think our Green Bay Packers may struggle to make the playoffs this year. It looks like they will be missing some key players, and they are in a tough division.
The Packers’ best defensive player – Micah Parsons – is still working his way back from surgery. He will not be ready for the team opener and might not return to the field until week 5 or week 6. When he plays, he provides a significant boost to the Pack’s defense, adding speed, power, and playmaking ability to the pass rush. While the exact timeline for his return will depend on his rehabilitation and medical clearance, the possibility that Parsons will be absent for a good chunk of the season means the Packers might struggle awhile to have a strong defense.
Beyond that, the Packers’ best running back – Josh Jacobs – will miss the team opener and also could miss a significant amount of the season. On August 30, 2026, Jacobs was placed on the NFL commissioner’s “exempt list” for being charged with two misdemeanor cases. The exempt list is a designation used by the league in circumstances requiring temporary removal from football-related activities, meaning Jacobs cannot practice or play for the Packers. Interestingly, there is no formal time limit on how long a player can remain on the exempt list. So, our star running back is out indefinitely but continues to collect his salary.
Adding to these hurdles is the fact that the Packers play in the NFC North, one of the best divisions in the NFL. Let’s be honest, it seems that both the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions have better rosters than the Packers. What’s more, Vegas oddsmakers say that the Lions face the easiest strength of schedule in the league. While preseason projections may change quickly once games are played, the schedule suggests Detroit may have the best opportunity to take the NFC North crown this season.
Given the above factors, a playoff berth for the Green Bay Packers is far from certain. The team may have enough talent and depth to stay competitive, but it will need consistent play from its remaining starters and strong contributions from backups to overcome these absences and keep its postseason hopes alive. I suppose we can take some comfort in knowing that the Green Bay Packers are God’s favorite football team; that’s why the helmet has a big “G” on the side.
I’m born and raised in Milwaukee. I’m a product of MPS. I graduated from Jackson State University in 1990 and University of Wisconsin Law School in 1994. I have practiced as a criminal defense lawyer since 1994. I’m passionate about writing and have been a free-lance sportswriter since 2023. I currently reside in my childhood home in the Rufus King neighborhood.
