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It will soon be decision time when it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles restoring linebacker Nakobe Dean to the roster.
Dean practiced on Wednesday, a day after the team activated him off injured reserve and into the 21-day practice window, which is how long the Eagles have to decide whether to bring him back or shut him down for the season.
“I had a walkthrough (Wednesday morning) and probably had the biggest smile,” Dean said. “It’s great being back with the team. I never missed a game. Ever. Since Little League or anything, so for me to miss games because of injury, I definitely felt it, but I had to stay mentally strong through the whole process, continue to work, and get better.”
There’s no way the Eagles are shutting him down. In fact, he could return as early as Sunday’s game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Dean, who was put on IR with a foot injury suffered in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, lined up with Zach Cunningham during individual drills at practice. Nick Morrow and Christian Elliss lined up next to each other, presumably as second-teamers.
Dean said prior to practice that he was “about” 100 percent but added, “We have to practice yet.”
He doesn’t expect much to be different at practice than what he has done the past week or so, which was running, drills, and backpedaling, except for one thing.
“Now (we're) putting in the final piece - striking guys and feeling that weight on your foot, make sure you’re OK with the weight on your foot," Dean said.
Dean stayed as engaged as possible during the past month, attending every meeting he could, watching film, and knowing the game plan each week.
“Not only because (football) is all I know but because I wanted to stay with the team,” he said. “I believe I’m a part of our defense. It’s my job.”
Added good friend and teammate, defensive tackle Jordan Davis: “He took (the injury) in stride. Nakobe’s a hard worker. He’s tough. It was nothing short of what I expected from him. He’s ready to be out there. He’s been locked in.
"He’s been with us all the time, but just not playing on Sunday. The same amount of preparation he puts in week in and week out is still there.”
Morrow has played well in Dean’s absence. He is second on the team in sacks, getting all three against the Washington Commanders, and is fourth on the team in tackles with 21.
Cunningham also shined, making 13 against the Commanders, and is tied for first on the team in tackles with Reed Blankenship at 33.
“Everybody teaches you something and they teach me the aspect of how they play the game, how Nick watches film and how he’s able to pick up on routes, and what quarterbacks are like, and how physical Zach is and the physicality he brings to the game,” said Dean. “I’ve learned all that from them and some stuff off the field.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni played it coy when asked whether or not Dean could play Sunday.
“We don't have to make that decision right now,” he said. “We're going to see how he looks out there. … Do we have a plan in our head? Obviously, I think that's something that we keep tight though for a competitive advantage.”
The Eagles currently have one open spot on the roster after putting right guard Cam Jurgens on IR with a foot injury last Saturday.
They would need to open a spot for Dean, however, since the Eagles have used all three practice squad elevations for punter Braden Mann and need to find a roster spot for him, too.
That means either releasing somebody or perhaps putting someone like defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu on IR because he is battling a triceps injury that caused him to miss last Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams and Wednesday's practice.
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