The Green Bay Packers' loss to the Denver Broncos went from bad to worse Monday, as an MRI reportedly confirmed star pass rusher Micah Parsons sustained a torn ACL in Week 15, according to multiple reports.

The injury will keep Parsons out at least nine months, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

That was the expected result after Parsons went down with a non-contact injury in the third quarter of the Packers' 34-26 loss to the Broncos on Sunday. It was Green Bay's second major injury in the quarter, as wideout Christian Watson also left the contest with a chest injury.

While Watson's injury likely played a role in the Packers' loss, the Parsons injury threatens to wreck the rest of the year for the Packers. It's impossible to overstate the impact Parsons had on the Packers after the team gave up two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to acquire Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. 

In 14 games, Parsons had already racked up 12.5 sacks. He was well on his way toward setting a new career-high in the stat prior to the injury. And Parsons managed that figure despite seeing limited snaps early in his tenure with the Packers due to a back injury and training camp holdout when he was with the Cowboys. 

The injury comes at a miserable time for the Packers, who fell out of first place in the NFC North following Week 15's loss. Things won't get much easier for Green Bay moving forward, as the team has to play the division-rival Chicago Bears in Week 16 with the division on the line. Green Bay's defense came up big against Caleb Williams and the Bears when the two teams met in Week 14. Without Parsons, it could be a different story this time around. 

After that, the Packers will square off against the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings to close out the season. It's not an easy slate.

While the injury is devastating, the Packers are still in good position to make the playoffs. A win over the Bears in Week 16 would put the team in tremendous position to play in the postseason. But even with a loss, the Packers could secure a lower playoff seed if the team can finish strong down the stretch. 

But the loss of Parsons would hit even harder in the postseason, when the Packers will face much stiffer competition and better quarterbacks. Parsons is capable of blowing up game plans with his elite pass rushing ability. If teams no longer have to account for him, opposing offenses should have an easier time ensuring passing plays remain on schedule. 

With the injury expected to keep Parsons out multiple months, the Packers also face the possibility of not having the pass rusher early next season. That will depend on Parsons' rehab and whether he can avoid setbacks as he attempts to come back from a devastating injury.

If there's a silver lining, it's that Parsons has plenty of time to get the Packers back on track. After his trade, Parsons signed a four-year, $188 million extension with the Packers, ensuring he'll be a member of the franchise through the 2029 NFL season.

That gives Parsons plenty of time to still make an impact in Green Bay. His first year with the franchise may have ended in disappointment, but Parsons will be back striking fear into opposing quarterbacks before long.

New York Giants fans experienced a similar situation in Week 15. After taking a big hit, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart needed to briefly leave the contest against the Washington Commanders to be evaluated for a concussion. It marked the fifth time in 10 games that Dart has entered the blue tent on the sideline this season. 

Despite that, interim Giants head coach Mike Kafka said the team wasn't going to alter its offensive game plan to try and protect Dart more, per CBSSports.com.

"We're not gonna change much in terms of how we play the game," Kafka said. "I think just having the thought process for how we scheme it up. We had a couple opportunities where he's protected and he's got somebody in front of him. On that one particular play where he got out, that was a pass. I think there's not much you can do there. Of course we have his health, and everyone's health, in mind when we call plays."

Dart passed concussion protocol and was allowed to return to the game. He finished the contest 20-of-36, for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Dart also threw an interception in the 29-21 loss to the Commanders. After the contest, Dart said he didn't "really understand" why he was forced to leave the game after the hit. 

Keeping Dart healthy has been a major talking point in New York after the rookie missed two games earlier in the year with a concussion. While Dart was out, multiple pieces were written suggesting people around the Giants told Dart to play smarter and protect himself when possible. Dart has said he's going to keep playing aggressive football, though did note he's sliding more since his return. 

Figuring out a way to keep Dart healthy will be a major challenge for Kafka, or his replacement, going forward. Dart has proven to be an exciting young rookie, with 13 touchdowns against four interceptions through 11 games. He's also flashed potential as a dual-threat player, rushing for 400 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. 

Dart's running ability is a true weapon, which is why the Giants need to handle the situation carefully. If he can continue to develop as a passer, Dart can be the franchise player the Giants desperately need. But that will only happen if Dart stays on the field. And while he's mostly been able to do that as a rookie, the number of times he's visited the blue tent this season is a concern, especially when Dart relies on his legs to make splash plays. 

A week ago, Philip Rivers was preparing for a potential Hall of Fame induction. But after multiple injuries to Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks, Rivers — after five years out of football — is making his shocking return to the NFL.

And he's not coming back to sit on the bench either. Rivers will go from off the couch straight into the starting lineup as the Colts fight for a playoff spot. Rivers, who was initially signed to the Colts' practice squad, was added to the team's 53-man roster Saturday, paving the way for the 44-year-old to start Sunday. 

While there have been older quarterbacks in the NFL, no quarterback this old has gone this long between two starts in the NFL, per Curt Menefee of "FOX NFL Sunday."

One of the quarterbacks who did starts NFL games at an older age than Rivers just so happened to make an in-studio appearance on "FOX NFL Sunday." That would be Tom Brady, who used a fun story to explain that the speed of the game could be the thing that surprises Rivers in his return. 

Terry Bradshaw echoed that sentiment, but said Rivers has the advantage of potentially playing in shotgun the whole game. He could essentially be set immediately and could throw some quick passes and use his intelligence to take advantage of zone defenses. Howie Long joked that the whole thing could be an insurance scam, as NFL players lose their insurance benefits five years after retiring. 

Given the circumstances, the odds appear stacked against Rivers. When he received a call about trying out for the Colts, the long-time NFL vet admitted he didn't even have turf shoes anymore. He had to dig into a trophy case at home to pull out a pair, according to Jay Glazer. 

So, why exactly did Rivers want to return after five years away? First off, he loves playing football and jumped at one more chance to do it. But Rivers — who got into coaching post-NFL career — also told Glazer it was an opportunity to teach his kids not to live afraid or in doubt.

Who knows, maybe Rivers comes out and proves almost everyone wrong. Despite the odds, at least one Hall of Famer believes Rivers can succeed after a long layoff. NFL Network's Kurt Warner boldly predicted 225 passing yards and two scores from Rivers in Week 15. 

Rivers' pedigree isn't in doubt. In his previous 17 seasons in the NFL, Rivers built a career worthy of Canton. When he left the game following the 2020 season, he had a 64.9 career completion percentage, 421 touchdowns and 209 interceptions. He still managed solid numbers in his final NFL season, throwing 24 touchdowns against 11 interceptions and leading the Colts to the playoffs. 

Whether any of that ability is still in Rivers after five years away will be discovered in Week 15. No one, not even the best analysts in the game, can accurately predict how it will go. 

No matter what happens in Week 15, Rivers' return is the type of thing typically seen in movies. The Colts are desperately hoping for a storybook ending.