The Philadelphia Eagles defense took a blow on Monday when linebacker Nakobe Dean reportedly suffered a torn patellar tendon and will miss the remainder of the playoffs.
Dean left Sunday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers on crutches after suffering a left knee injury in the second quarter. He limped off the field and was then taken to the locker room.
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, #17, sits on the ground after an injury during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
NFL Network reported that an MRI revealed the worst.
The Eagles selected Dean in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in all 17 games his rookie year and missed most of the 2023 season with an injury.
He bounced back in 2024 to become a starting linebacker. He started 15 games, recording 128 tackles and three sacks. He also had an interception, four pass deflections and two fumble recoveries. He emerged as one of the team’s best defensive players.
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean gestures as he is carried after an injury during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Philadelphia . (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Dean missed the final two games of the regular season with an abdominal injury.
Philadelphia will host the Minnesota Vikings or Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round next weekend.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, #8, is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, #93, and Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, #17, during the first half of a NFL Wild Card Playoff football game on Sunday, January. December 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
“We’re definitely playing for him,” Eagles linebacker Oren Burks, who replaced Dean on defense, said after Sunday’s game. “We’re going to miss him. We don’t know what the situation is, but this is a next-man-up mentality.”
