Philadelphia Eagles starting LB Nakobe Dean reveals timeline return from injury

The Eagles never took Dean off the PUP list during training camp, which means he must miss the first four regular-season games of the season.

The good news is that the Eagles now have solid depth at the position with second-year linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and rookies Jihaad Campbell and Smael Mondon. Trotter Jr. is projected to start alongside Zack Baun, but don't be surprised if Campbell is thrown into the fire early following a very impressive training camp and preseason performance.

During last year’s playoff win over the Green Bay Packers, Dean went down with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, which cut his season short and required surgery.

It marked Dean’s second major lower-body injury. Despite the setback from the practice field, Dean has been grinding through rehab all offseason. He even picked up ballet to help with his flexibility and movement.

Dean wrapped up the 2024 regular season with a monster year, totaling 128 tackles (80 solo), three sacks, nine tackles for loss, six QB hits, and a pick through 15 games. He was a key piece of the NFL’s top defense and played a major role in helping the Eagles take down the Kansas City Chiefs in a historic 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win.

The Eagles kick off Week 1 of the 2025 regular season next Thursday, Sept. 4, against the Dallas Cowboys.