As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for a high-stakes Week 17 matchup, all eyes are on the status of linebacker Nakobe Dean - and there’s still plenty of uncertainty surrounding his availability.
Dean exited the Eagles’ 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders with a hamstring injury, and while he’s expressed confidence that he’ll be okay, the team isn’t quite ready to make that call. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio didn’t sugarcoat it when asked about Dean’s chances of suiting up against the Buffalo Bills.
“He’s iffy this week,” Fangio said.
That’s not exactly the reassurance Eagles fans were hoping for, especially considering how much Dean has meant to this defense since his return. After missing the start of the season recovering from the knee injury he sustained in last year’s NFC Wild Card game against the Packers, Dean has been a difference-maker - and then some.
In just 10 games (eight starts), Dean has totaled 55 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass deflection. Those numbers don’t just tell the story of a solid linebacker - they paint the picture of a player who’s become a central piece in Fangio’s evolving defensive scheme.
What makes Dean so valuable isn’t just his ability to clean up in the run game. It’s how Fangio has deployed him as a downhill weapon in the pass rush.
Dean’s been a constant presence in the backfield, using his explosiveness and physicality to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Whether it's crashing through the A-gap or coming off the edge, he’s been a problem for offensive lines trying to keep their quarterback upright.
If Dean can’t go this week, the Eagles will likely turn to rookie Jihaad Campbell, their first-round pick who filled in earlier this season. Campbell held his own in that stretch, showing flashes of the athleticism and instincts that made him a top draft selection. Still, replacing Dean’s production and versatility won’t be easy - especially against a Bills team that can stress a defense in multiple ways.
The good news? Fangio doesn’t believe this is the end of Dean’s season.
“I don’t think we’re done seeing him this year,” he said.
That’s a key takeaway. With the playoffs looming, the Eagles are clearly thinking long-term.
If sitting Dean for a game or two means having him fully healthy for the postseason, that’s a trade they’re willing to make. And make no mistake - having Dean on the field in the NFC Wild Card round could be the difference between a quick exit and a deep playoff run.
For now, the Eagles will monitor his progress and hope for the best. But even in his absence, the blueprint he’s helped establish on defense will remain - aggressive, fast, and built around pressure.