Packers’ Micah Parsons Rejects Snap Limits, Demands More Playtime: ‘Can’t Hold a Dog Back Forever’

Green Bay, September 13, 2025

Following two standout games in the 2025 NFL season, Green Bay Packers’ defensive superstar Micah Parsons has voiced frustration over his limited snap count. After the Packers’ 27-18 win over the Washington Commanders last night (U.S. time, morning of September 12 Vietnam time), Parsons declared, “Can’t hold a dog back forever. I was born to play football, not sit on the sidelines,” signaling his hunger for more action despite cautious team management.

In the season’s opening games, Parsons has proven his blockbuster value since being traded from the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 1’s 27-13 rout of the Detroit Lions, he notched a “cosmetic” sack on Jared Goff, helping hold the NFL’s top-scoring offense (33.2 points/game last season) to just 13 points. Against the Commanders in Week 2, he added a half-sack on Jayden Daniels, leading the Packers with eight pressures in 37 pass rushes, contributing to limiting the No. 5 offense (28.5 points/game) to 18 points and 51 rushing yards. His 1.5 sacks have propelled Green Bay to the NFL’s top-ranked defense (133 yards allowed per game).

However, Parsons’ performance is tempered by a lingering back injury, listed as questionable before the Commanders game with limited practice participation. The Packers restricted his snaps to manage his health: 30 snaps (56% of defensive plays) in Week 1 and 47 in Week 2. Parsons admitted the injury has him “pissing off” but insisted he’s ready for full snaps if given the green light.

The Packers’ strategy, led by head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, focuses on preserving Parsons for the long haul. They rotate him with young stars like Rashan Gary (27), Devonte Wyatt (27), and Quay Walker (25) to distribute pressure and maintain defensive dominance. The goal is to keep Parsons fresh for critical games, like the Week 4 showdown against his former team, the Cowboys, in Dallas.

Parsons’ frustration reflects his personal drive but aligns with Green Bay’s long-term vision. With a mini-bye before Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, the team may increase his snaps if his injury improves. At 26 and in his prime, Parsons is seen as the key to a Super Bowl run.

Stay tuned to see how the Packers adjust their strategy with Parsons, whether they unleash their “dog” or continue to manage his snaps to protect their prized talent for the season’s biggest moments.