In the midst of Nakobe Dean’s IR term, the Eagles make a significant injury move.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Philadelphia Eagles will receive a significant boost to their linebacking core as the team has opened Nakobe Dean’s 21-day practice window to return off injured reserve.
Dean has missed the last four weeks due to a foot injury suffered in a Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots. He has seven tackles and played 61% of the defensive snaps for the Eagles.
Dean was projected to make a significant improvement this season after seeing limited playing time as a rookie in 2022. The Eagles lost both of their starting linebackers from last season due to free agency, and they expected Dean to cover one of the voids given his college success and third-round status.
He stood out during the preseason and played well in Week 1 before suffering an injury. With the Eagles out to a 5-0 start and championship hopes, they’ll need Dean to find another gear whenever he returns to the field.
In Dean’s absence, Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow have handled the majority of the linebacking duties. For the most part, the Eagles’ defense has held up well, ranking 10th in total defense after five weeks. They put in two strong efforts, allowing a total of 25 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams. In the other two games Dean missed, Philadelphia allowed 59 points.
The return of Nakobe Dean may not completely alter Philadelphia’s defensive strategy, but it may alter how rival offenses adjust their game plans. Dean could return this week when the Eagles go to New Jersey to face the New York Jets, but he is more likely to return next week when the Eagles host the Miami Dolphins.
