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Tim McManus, ESPN writer
PHILADELPHIA — Eagles starting linebacker Nakobe Dean is believed to have suffered a serious knee injury in Sunday’s playoff win over the Green Bay Packers and is expected to miss the rest of the playoffs, a statement confirmed. league source.
Dean was injured in the second quarter after tackling tight end Tucker Kraft to the ground for a 3-yard loss on a screen play.
After being helped off the field to the medical tent, Dean was carried inside, offering encouraging gestures to the fan base on his way to the tunnel.
NFL Network was the first to report the severity of Dean’s injury.
“He’s one of the real leaders on this defense,” cornerback Darius Slay said. “I know I have the ‘C’ on my chest but if there is someone I want to give my [captaincy] a, it’s him.
“It’s painful to see him fall like this because he’s having an incredible year, playing outstandingly and I’m praying for him for a speedy recovery.”
Dean, a former Georgia star and third-round pick in the 2022 draft, was elevated to a starting role for the Eagles last season but was sidelined for all but five games due to multiple foot injuries, including a Lisfranc sprain that landed him on injured reserve. in November.
He has been an impact player for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio this season, racking up 128 tackles, three sacks, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and one interception during the regular season. He was also responsible for relaying defensive calls to the group, duties that fell to All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun when Dean came out on Sunday.
Oren Burks replaced Dean in the lineup and will likely replace him in the future. Burks, who played his first six seasons with the 49ers and San Francisco Packers, had five tackles on Sunday and forced a special teams fumble on the opening kickoff, resulting in a turnover and a quick score for Philadelphia. It set the tone for the game.
