As the Eagles continue to retool their defense heading into the 2025 season, one major question looms: when will linebacker Nakobe Dean return?
Dean, who suffered a torn patellar tendon during the Wild Card loss to the Packers in January, has been out of action since undergoing surgery on January 20. Now, nearly five months later, the former Georgia standout is speaking publicly for the first time about his recovery — and he’s staying realistic.
“It’s been tough, no doubt,” Dean said during an Eagles media session this week. “But I’m doing everything I can to get back. Day by day.”
A methodical, patient recovery
Dean’s injury — one of the more serious lower-body setbacks a linebacker can face — has required a slow, carefully managed rehab. According to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, fans shouldn’t expect to see Dean back on the field anytime soon.
“He won’t be back soon,” Fangio told reporters. “We’re being cautious. We need him long-term.”
Despite the timeline uncertainty, Dean has taken an innovative approach to recovery: ballet.
Training with Philadelphia’s BalletX company, Dean says the discipline has helped improve his flexibility, balance, and body control — all vital traits for a linebacker returning from a knee injury.
“It’s definitely something that’s helping. At first it felt strange, but I’ve learned a lot,” he admitted.
Eagles planning around his absence
While Dean works his way back, the Eagles have already begun adjusting. Zack Baun, a former edge rusher, stepped into the middle linebacker role late last season and flourished — racking up 151 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 5 forced fumbles.
The team also drafted Jihaad Campbell in the first round, though he’s currently rehabbing from a shoulder issue and isn’t expected back until August.
In the short term, the Eagles will lean on Baun, Christian Elliss, and rotational packages to fill the void. But make no mistake — Dean remains central to the team’s long-term defensive plans.
A quiet leader returns… eventually
Though Dean has only played 17 games since being drafted in 2022, his leadership has never been in question. Even sidelined, he’s been present at practices, film sessions, and position group meetings.
“I want to be around the guys. I want to be part of the energy. And I know I’ll be back,” he said, smiling.
The Eagles aren’t rushing him — and Dean isn’t rushing himself. But when he returns, they expect the same sideline-to-sideline presence that made him a defensive captain at Georgia and a rising voice in Philly’s locker room.
