Eagles are getting a key defensive reinforcement in Nakobe Dean's return

It's been a long journey for Philadelphia Eagles' linebacker Nakobe Dean to get back onto the field. 255 days to be exact as Dean's 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday. Dean has been working his way back from his patellar tendon injury in his left knee he suffered in the Eagles win over the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round at Lincoln Financial Field back on January 19.

The linebacker was placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list before training camp started and then on the regular-season PUP list when rosters had to be finalized.

It was a guarantee four games missed to start this season for the fourth-year linebacker but now he is eager to returning and contributing. After having surgery the day after his injury, Dean had October 1 circled.

"I know that Wednesday of this week I was going to practice," Dean said. "Since before the 53-man roster dropped. I knew that this would be the day I could practice."

The 24-year-old was not restless before the exciting day, instead, he opted to get some extra rest.

"I actually went to bed 30 minutes earlier. I want to make sure my body feels good," Dean said smiling in front of his locker.

Now, he will look to contribute to a talented linebacker room that has been anchored by the impressive play from Zack Baun and rookie Jihaad Campbell.

Dean integral in Eagles' success last season

Dean took a big leap forward in 2024 both with his play and his leadership. He finished second on the team with 128 tackles, had three sacks, six quarterback hits, scooped up to fumbles, forced another and had the game-sealing interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a nail-biting 28-23 win in Week 9.

The linebacker was making his mark in the Eagles' Wild Card game against the Packers finishing the game with six tackles, including two for a loss, before suffering the season-ending injury.

His leadership was also apparent last season and it has not wavered this year despite not being able to contribute on the field. The former Georgia Bulldog is reviewing and studying film with the rookies in Campbell and Smael Mondon Jr., a fellow Bulldog himself to help their development process.

"Our linebacking corps, we're tight. It's a brotherhood. We look at ourselves as a pack, as a unit," Campbell said.

Dean looking to rejoin the pack on the field

There is still time to figure out how Dean will slot in alongside Baun and Campbell. Dean was not activated off the PUP list for the Denver game setting up a potential return this Thursday when the Eagles head to MetLife Stadium to take on the Giants. Although, a quick turnaround and a week that will consist mostly of walk throughs could make it murky on how the team evaluates how ready Dean is for a return.

Either way, Dean's role upon return may not be as clear as originally thought due to the emergence of Campbell.

The 31st overall pick in this year's draft is not only an early front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year, but he is also playing as one of the top linebackers in the league. He has already manufactured two key turnovers this season with his interception in Week 4 against Tampa Bay and forced a fumble in his debut against the Cowboys to stop a promising drive.

Add in Baun's sensational start to the equation and it becomes a challenging formula to solve. Baun leads the team with 42 tackles to go with three passes defended, an interception and forced fumble all while showing his versatility in coverage and ability to pressure the quarterback.

"We'll see what," Nick Sirianni said on Dean's role once able to play. "Jihaad has played good football. Zack Baun's played really good football. Nakobe has played really good football in the past, so really excited about that room and the guys that we have in that room."

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a man of few words at times, did not want to divulge earlier last week on the potential role for Dean at linebacker.

"We'll see when we get there. I don't think we're there yet," Fangio said on Tuesday.

For Dean, he will continue to prepare himself and help the team out in whatever role is asked of him. He played well as a special teamer in 2023 while penciled in as a backup linebacker on the depth chart that season before taking over the starting role at linebacker last year and flourished.

"I control what I control. I know I can play. I know we can go out there and ball," Dean said. "So, I control what I control, continue to ball, continue to get better mentally, physically emotionally, throughout the whole thing, no matter what. Just continue to get better."