Nakobe Dean

Philadelphia Eagles
Player #17

Nakobe Dean News

Nakobe Dean Takes Up Ballet as Part of Rehab

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (knee), who is recovering from the torn left patellar tendon he suffered in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season, has taken up ballet to become lighter and more agile. "There's way more flexibility, of course. Way more mobility," Dean said of the results of his ballet training. "It's definitely something that's helping with my rehab." Last year, Dean and Zack Baun were the Eagles' top two tacklers, with Dean contributing 128 to go with three sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception. The 24-year-old played a career-high 815 defensive snaps in 2024 in 15 games and was an elite run-stopper for Philly's strong defense. Dean finished as the No. 14 linebacker in IDP fantasy leagues in his third year in the NFL. He is likely to be ready for the start of the 2025 season this fall, but don't be surprised if the Eagles manage hi workload carefully early on.

May 24, 2025 11:14 AM EST

Nakobe Dean Done For Playoffs With Torn Patellar Tendon

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (knee) suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee late in the wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday and will miss the rest of the playoffs. It's a tough blow for the Eagles and Deal, who was at the tail end of a breakout season. He now has a long road to recovery and will likely miss the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. The Eagles were bracing for a serious injury after Dean had to be carted off the field in Philadelphia on Sunday. He underwent an MRI exam on Monday morning to confirm the serious injury. The former third-rounder in 2022 out of Georgia emerged as a starter in 2024 in his third year in the league and had an impressive 128 tackles (80 solo), a career-high three sacks, nine tackles for loss, six QB hits, one interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 15 regular-season starts. It's a notable loss for Philly's D the rest of the way.

Jan 13, 2025 12:03 PM EST

Nakobe Dean Ruled Out For Remainder Of Sunday's Game

According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers. Dean sustained this injury during the second quarter. He needed assistance to get off the field and was eventually carted to the locker room. Before exiting he tallied six tackles, with three of them being solo. Oren Burks should have an increased role for the remainder of the game.

Jan 12, 2025 5:58 PM EST

Darius Slay, Nakobe Dean Won’t Play Against Giants

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (coach's decision) and linebacker Nakobe Dean (coach's decision) are officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. Both players had been listed as doubtful, so their absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Eagles' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. Slay finishes the 2024 season with 49 tackles, one forced fumble, and one recovery. However, he will end the year with zero interceptions for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2013. Meanwhile, Dean was a key IDP weapon this year, amassing 128 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one interception through 15 games. Isaiah Rodgers is a likely candidate to replace Slay on defense, while Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter are expected to fill in for Dean and Zack Baun (coach's decision).

Jan 5, 2025 11:39 AM EST

Nakobe Dean Diagnosed With Lisfranc Sprain

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (foot) has been diagnosed with a Lisfranc sprain. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the second-year defender will see a foot specialist to determine the steps of his recovery, but he is expected to be placed on Injured Reserve. Dean called signals for the Eagles' defense to begin the season. He has played in five games this season, posting 30 total tackles and half of a sack. The 2022 second-round pick is now likely to miss at least the next four games. Nicholas Morrow should see extra playing time in his absence.

Nov 8, 2023 2:45 PM EST

Nakobe Dean Ruled Out For Rest Of Week 9

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (foot) won't return to Sunday's NFC East clash with the Dallas Cowboys. The 2022 third-round pick entered Week 9 ranked fifth on the team in tackles despite missing over a month due to injury. Fortunately, the Eagles are off in Week 10, so Dean could be back for the showdown with the Chiefs in Week 11, assuming the issue isn't severe.

Nov 5, 2023 6:42 PM EST

Nakobe Dean Nearing Return

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (foot) was activated from the injured reserve list on Tuesday. Dean had his 21-day practice window opened up, and he'll be able to return to game action as soon as this week. The young linebacker has been out since suffering a foot injury in Philadelphia's season opener against the New England Patriots. It remains to be seen if he will suit up in Week 6 against the New York Jets. But his return to play is on the horizon, which would give the Eagles an added boost on defense.

Oct 11, 2023 12:19 AM EST

Nakobe Dean Placed On Injured Reserve

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (foot) is being placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a foot injury in the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. The second-year linebacker out of the University of Georgia played in all 17 games last season as a rookie but was utilized primarily on special teams. Now, he'll miss at least the next four games. The Eagles signed Nicholas Morrow to its active roster and Rashaan Evans to its practice squad in a corresponding move.

Sep 12, 2023 2:16 PM EST

Nakobe Dean Expected To Miss Multiple Weeks

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (foot) is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury that he suffered in the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, according to sources. Dean will not require surgery and should be back with plenty of time to spare in the 2023 season, although a stint on Injured Reserve isn't being ruled out. The 22-year-old was seen wearing a walking boot after the game and could be out through Week 5 in a worst-case scenario. Until Dean is able to return, Christian Elliss and Nolan Smith should see more playing time in the middle of the Eagles defense, starting this Thursday night to kick off Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Sep 11, 2023 6:28 PM EST

Nakobe Dean Ready for a Heavy Workload in Week 1

Eagles linebacker Nakoke Dean is poised for a big game in his debut as Philadelphia's every-down middle linebacker. Dean was drafted in the third round out of Georgia in 2022, and he sat most of the season, accumulating just five tackles in 38 snaps, as the Eagles had two reliable starters in T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White. Both Edwards and White departed in free agency, leaving the job to Dean. The Eagles hoped Nicholas Morrow would compliment him on the inside, but Morrow played so poorly in training camp that he was cut before the season started. Dean is by far the best off-ball linebacker on the team and the one the coaches have faith in. He will get the vast majority, if not all, of the snaps against the New England Patriots. The Patriots run the ball frequently, and they have a strong running back room they will rely on, so Dean is in line for a lot of tackle opportunities.

Sep 8, 2023 10:52 AM EST