Micah Parsons Feared to Have Torn ACL as Multiple Packers Injuries Doom Super Bowl Hopes in Crushing 34-26 Loss to Broncos
Denver, CO – December 14, 2025 – In what turned into a nightmare third quarter for the Green Bay Packers, star edge rusher Micah Parsons suffered a devastating non-contact left knee injury – believed to be a torn ACL – that could end his season and derail the team’s Super Bowl aspirations. The Packers (now 9-4-1) fell 34-26 to the surging Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, extending Denver’s win streak to 11 games and clinching their playoff berth.
The Packers dominated early, building a 23-14 lead in the third quarter behind Josh Jacobs‘ explosive 40-yard touchdown run. But disaster struck when All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II made a diving interception – his first of the season – injuring wide receiver Christian Watson (chest) in the process. Watson was ruled out and taken for further evaluation.
Moments later, Parsons – acquired in a blockbuster preseason trade from Dallas – went down awkwardly while rushing Broncos QB Bo Nix. He immediately grabbed his left knee, was helped off the field, and did not return. Postgame reports indicate the Packers fear a torn ACL, pending further tests. Head coach Matt LaFleur said, “It doesn’t look good. I’ll leave it at that.”
The Broncos capitalized immediately. Nix threw a 23-yard TD to Troy Franklin two plays after Parsons’ exit, giving Denver a 27-23 lead they never relinquished. Nix delivered a career-best performance: 302 yards and 4 touchdowns (to Franklin, Courtland Sutton, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and Michael Bandy), with a near-perfect passer rating.
Nightmare Third Quarter: Injuries Pile Up for Packers
Green Bay’s injury woes didn’t stop there:
- Christian Watson (chest) – out after Surtain’s pick.
- Josh Whyle (concussion) – exited early.
- Zach Tom (knee) – hurt in the second quarter.
The depleted Packers struggled offensively thereafter, settling for field goals (including multiple from former Bronco Brandon McManus) and turning the ball over twice via interceptions by Riley Moss and Surtain.
QB Jordan Love threw for over 250 yards and a TD but was sacked three times and picked twice. Jacobs provided highlights with a long TD run and a receiving score, but Green Bay converted just 1 of 4 red-zone trips into touchdowns.
Broncos Surge: Bo Nix’s Career Day Secures Playoff Spot
Second-year QB Bo Nix was masterful, completing passes efficiently and avoiding sacks against a fearsome Packers pass rush (pre-injury). Courtland Sutton led receivers with 7 catches for 113 yards and a TD. Rookie RB R.J. Harvey added a late rushing TD to ice the game.
The win improves Denver to 12-2, alone atop the AFC. “This was one of the best games of [Nix’s] career,” said TE Adam Trautman. “He was unbelievable.”
Packers’ Super Bowl Dreams in Jeopardy?
With Parsons potentially out for the season (12.5 sacks entering the game), and Watson’s status uncertain, Green Bay drops to the NFC’s No. 7 projected playoff seed. They face a critical Saturday showdown against the Chicago Bears next.
Key Stats:
- Bo Nix: ~302 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT
- Jordan Love: ~276 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
- Final Score: Broncos 34, Packers 26
- Packers Injuries: Parsons (knee, feared torn ACL), Watson (chest), Whyle (concussion), Tom (knee)
This heartbreaking loss raises serious questions: Can the Packers overcome these devastating injuries and make a deep playoff run? Fans are holding their breath for updates on Parsons and Watson.
