Linebacker Nakobe Dean could well be returning to the Philadelphia defense soon. His practice window has officially been opened, the Eagles announced on Wednesday morning.
https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/1973394210788098053
Dean has been recovering from a patellar tendon injury suffered in the 2024 Wild Card win over Green Bay and entered training camp on the PUP list. The setback was not only heartbreaking because of the fact he missed the eventual Super Bowl run, but with 2025 being his contract year and durability concerns having already reared their heads in the past, this needed to be a big year if he was to secure a large extension with the team.
The former third-round pick was exceptional in 2024 prior to the injury, racking up 128 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble.
With Jihaad Campbell now locked in as a starter, Dean's place in Fangio's defense is uncertain. He could be used in lieu of a nickel corner while DeJean moves to Safety at times, allowing someone like Campbell or Baun to contribute to the pass-rush. We know that Fangio loves to mask coverages and move his guys around, and Dean's presence offers the Eagles a very productive linebacker who excelled in coverage last year, opening the doors for the other backers on the depth chart to contribute in new ways.
Vic Fangio hinted that Dean's return could be on the horizon. The Eagles now have 3 weeks to move Dean up to the 53-man roster, and that handy bye-week in week 9 could be super valuable for him to fully get back up to speed in time for a crucial second half of the season.
Hopefully, we see Dean marauding the defense again soon, as the Eagles get even stronger after their 4-0 start to the season.
