The Philadelphia Eagles entered Week 16 with a clear opportunity: beat the Washington Commanders and take a big step closer to locking up a playoff spot. But as the game unfolded, the defense took a hit - and not a small one. Linebacker Nakobe Dean, one of the Eagles’ most promising young defenders, was forced to leave the game early with a hamstring injury and was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
The injury happened early in the first quarter. Dean headed to the blue medical tent after what appeared to be a non-contact issue, then made his way to the locker room. Initially listed as questionable to return, the Eagles later confirmed he would not be coming back.
It’s another frustrating chapter in what’s been a stop-and-start NFL journey for Dean. The 25-year-old linebacker has shown flashes of being a difference-maker in the middle of Philly’s defense, but staying on the field has been the biggest challenge.
Coming into this game, Dean had appeared in just nine contests this season - and that was after missing the start of the year while recovering from a significant knee injury suffered back in January. That came on the heels of a 2023 campaign in which an ankle injury limited him to only five games.
When healthy, though, Dean has delivered. Through his nine games this season, he racked up 53 combined tackles, including 29 solo stops, four sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles. He’s been a high-motor presence and a smart communicator in the middle of the defense - the kind of player who helps tie everything together.
For the Eagles, losing Dean - even temporarily - is more than just a depth concern. He’s a key piece of their linebacker rotation, and his absence puts more pressure on the rest of the unit to step up. With the postseason looming, Philly will be hoping this latest setback is minor and that Dean can return in time to contribute during the stretch run.
As always with soft-tissue injuries, the next few days will be crucial. The Eagles’ medical staff will evaluate the severity, and fans will be watching closely for updates. For now, though, Philadelphia will have to finish this critical divisional matchup without one of their defensive anchors.