The Green Bay Packers lost five straight games after losing All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to a season-ending knee injury to finish the 2025 season. With Parsons likely to begin the season on the PUP list, finding out the first four opponents on the Packers’ 2026 schedule was always going to be one of the most important aspects of the schedule release.
Under the new PUP rules, Parsons could begin practicing as soon as Week 3 and would be eligible to play as soon as Week 5 if he does indeed land on the PUP list to begin the regular season. Parsons isn’t the only star player returning from injury; tight end Tucker Kraft tore his ACL in November, while Devonte Wyatt suffered a significant leg injury in late November and Zach Tom needed surgery to fix a knee injury suffered in early December.
So, who do the Packers open the season with during the first four weeks?
Here’s the list:
None of the four made the postseason in 2025, and none of the four are projected to finish with a winning record per sportsbooks. The Vikings, Jets and Falcons could all be starting new quarterbacks.
In fact, the Packers have one of the easiest stretches to begin the 2026 season. Per Warren Sharp, the Packers face the third easiest strength of schedule during the first four weeks, based on forecasted win totals.
The Packers do play three of the four games on the road, including in a loud environment in Minnesota to open the season and a potentially hot weather game in Tampa Bay in early October. But the Packers ended up playing four of their easiest games on the schedule during the first four games.
The NFL did the Packers a favor. A fast start is possible even without Parsons likely to be available and several other players working back from last year’s injuries.
And how can we be certain the NFL played a role in making the Packers’ schedule around Parsons? Check out the Week 5 and Week 6 matchups. Parsons could return and make his season debut against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field in Week 6. The next week, the Packers host the Dallas Cowboys in primetime. There are no coincidences.
The Packers must play better without Parsons in 2026. Starting at least 3-1 — given the opponents — would create a huge boost, especially considering the Packers will play eight of their final 13 games at home, including four of the last five. The goal is simple. Start fast without Parsons. Finish strong with him.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Who will Packers play while Micah Parsons is likely out to start 2026?
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
