Breaking: Eagles’ Defense Suffers Crushing Blow: Key Players Ruled Out for Divisional Round Showdown
The Philadelphia Eagles have advanced to the second round of the NFL playoffs, but they’re going to have to proceed without one of their star defenders.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport , starting linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee and will miss the rest of Philly’s playoff run.
“#Eagles LB Nakobe Dean, at the tail end of a breakout season, suffered torn patellar tendon in his knee and is out for the playoffs, per me and @MikeGarafolo,” Rapoport wrote on X/Twitter. “A tough blow for Philly and for Dean, who has a long road to recovery. He’ll likely miss the start of next season.”
Dean suffered the injury to his right knee during the second quarter of the Eagles’ wild card win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. He was carted off the field and ruled out of the game soon after.
Dean led the defense with six tackles and two tackles for loss before exiting early and the Eagles turned to backup Oren Burks to take his place.
A third-round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Dean finished his third regular season ranked second on the team with 128 total tackles, including six tackles for loss, three sacks, four passes defended, and an interception. He also forced one fumble and recovered two.
The Eagles will continue to lean on Burks in place of Dean. They also have rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. as another backup option.
