The mainstream media doesn’t seem to be too confident in the Philadelphia Eagles after their win over the Green Bay Packers. However, nobody denies their defense came to play. The unit was dominant with a four-turnover effort only allowing ten points against their opponent. However, the next couple of weeks of playoff football will be a test. A fan-favorite Eagles linebacker was carted off with injury during the game. That linebacker is out for the remainder of the playoffs.
The Headline
Multiple outlets are reporting that the Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon during the win. According to ESPN, the injury happened when Dean wrapped up Packers tight end Tucker Kraft on a screen pass.
Dean was initially assisted off the field to the medical tent but was then carted off to the locker room. To account for this injury, NBC Sports Philadelphia reports the team is bringing back former Eagles linebacker Nicholas Morrow.
Morrow does bring some leadership to the team as he spent 2023 as the Eagles’ middle linebacker. He played in 15 games for the team last year and started 12 of the 17 games.
He also has 58 starts and 105 games under his belt.
Dean’s Season Retrospective
The Georgia product officially wrapped up his third season in the league following the injury. So far, this would be considered Dean’s breakout campaign. Over the previous two seasons, Dean only saw limited time on the field. Part of this was due to the slow transition to the pro level and injuries. Dean played in all 17 games in 2022 but spent much of that time on special teams. In 2023, he only played in five games due to injuries.
Despite missing two games this year, Dean was very productive. He totaled 128 total tackles with 80 solo tackles and 48 assisted tackles. He recorded nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Dean also tallied a forced fumble with two fumble recoveries. In the passing game, he also recorded four pass deflections and an interception.
These are all career numbers for Dean and he formed a productive tandem in the middle of the defense alongside breakout star Zack Baun. Dean’s absence will put more weight on Baun’s shoulders. The unit should still be talented enough to operate even in his absence but it is still a significant loss.
It’s also a sad revelation for Dean as he has always somewhat struggled with injuries throughout both his college and professional careers. This is part of the concerns as to why someone who was suspected to be a first-round pick fell all the way to the third round.
Unfortunately, once it looked like he was finally putting everything together, the injury bug struck Dean once again. It will be interesting to see how he recovers from this latest injury, will he have a bounce-back season in 2025? Only time will tell.
Main Image: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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