Nakobe Dean, Philadelphia Eagles Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

One training camp video shows Eagles fans how Nakobe Dean's recovery is going

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 10:00 AM ET

One of the biggest lingering storylines at Philadelphia Eagles training camp is when linebacker Nakobe Dean is going to get back out on the field.

Dean is still recovering from his patellar knee tear that he suffered in the NFC Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers last year. While he has not worked out with the team on the field this offseason, he has been focused on rehabbing the knee, and it appears to be working.

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Eagles reporter, Jeff McLane, shared a video on social media just before practice that will be seen as an encouraging sign. Dean was running sprints on the field without any other players there.

Nakobe Dean update. #Eagles LB, who is on PUP as he recovers from a patellar knee tear, running before practice: pic.twitter.com/1yLrhRYmXz
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 1, 2025

Dean is one step closer to getting back to his old form

Last year was a true breakout season for Dean, who finished with 130 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, three sacks, four pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one interception in 15 games. He received votes for the AP Comeback Player of the Year award.

It's a shame that Dean is bouncing back from yet another injury after only playing five games in 2023. Dean's durability has become a talking point of concern, which led the Eagles to select Jihaad Campbell in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft as insurance.

Campbell has already looked great in training camp, with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. also getting first-team reps with Zack Baun. While Dean will still have his spot on the team, there might be some questions as to whether he can find his way onto the starting lineup if Trotter and Campbell continue to play well at camp.

Regardless, it's great to see Dean running and being able to move that knee well. Now it's a matter of how that knee will hold up when contact is made.

There has been no timetable for when Dean will be allowed to practice with the team. Eagles fans are hoping to have him back soon, just to give the linebackers the depth they need right now.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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