Full Breakdown
Packers Hold Off Cowboys 23-13 as Micah Parsons Remains sidelined
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Game Summary
In Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 23-13 at Lambeau Field. The Packers built a 17-0 halftime lead and added a fourth-quarter touchdown to secure the win. Green Bay’s offense was led by quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 276 yards, one passing touchdown and one interception while also rushing for a score. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott completed 34 of 54 passes for 258 yards and one touchdown but threw two interceptions and was pressured 15 times.
Background: Parsons injury and trade
Edge rusher Micah Parsons tore his left ACL and meniscus in Week 15 of the 2025 season. He began the 2026 campaign on the PUP list and missed the first four games. Green Bay acquired Parsons from Dallas before the 2025 season in a trade that sent defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks to Dallas. The Packers later signed Parsons to a four-year, $188 million extension. As of the Week 6 matchup, Parsons remained on the PUP list.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Packers 23, Cowboys 13.
- Jordan Love: 276 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 3 sacks taken, 45.5 % pressured.
- Dak Prescott: 258 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 7 hits, 15 pressures.
- Packers’ third-down conversion: 61 % (9-of-10 in first half, 11-of-18 overall).
- Cowboys’ third-down conversion: 21 % (21st league-wide).
- Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness: 6 pressures, 1.5 sacks through six games (fifth-best pressure rate).
- Kicker Trey Smack: 3-of-3 field goals (44-yard longest) and 2 extra points.
Official Statements & Responses
LaFleur noted guard Aaron Banks and right-guard Laken Tomlinson are being evaluated for starting roles.
Parsons, on his podcast “The Edge with Micah Parsons,” said he is focused on full health rather than accelerating a comeback for the high-profile game.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media outlets differ on the earliest realistic return date for Parsons. One source cited a possible debut in Week 9 against New England, another suggested Week 8 versus Carolina, while LaFleur described the timeline as “to be determined.” No official clearance date has been announced.
Why It Matters
Parsons’ absence left the Packers without their premier pass-rusher, yet the defense still generated pressure through Van Ness and other contributors, ranking fifth in pressure rate. The win moved Green Bay to 4-2, keeping them in contention for the NFC North title, while Dallas fell to 2-4, intensifying scrutiny of its coaching staff and offensive execution.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's got to clear some hurdles yet to get to that point,” — Matt LaFleur
- “I think that’s going to be ‘to be determined’,” — Matt LaFleur
- “So many people wanted me to be back for that game to make the game bigger than what it was,” — Micah Parsons
- “If the Super Bowl was this week, I'm playing in the Super Bowl,” — Micah Parsons