The Philadelphia Eagles defense suffered a major blow Monday as linebacker Nakobe Dean reportedly suffered a torn patella 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 carried 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 playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Philadelphia . (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
The 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 the majority of the 2023 season due to injury.
He bounced back in 2024 to become a starting linebacker. He started in 15 games, recording 128 tackles and three sacks. He also had an interception, four assists and two fumble recoveries. He has established himself as one of the best defensive players on the team.
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean gestures as he is carried away after an injury during the first half of an NFL playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday 12 January 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Dean missed the final two games of the regular season with an abdominal injury.
Philadelphia will host either the Minnesota Vikings or the 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 an NFL playoff football game, Sunday, January 1. .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 it’s a next man up mentality.”
