PHILADELPHIA — A key Eagles defensive player could make his 2025 season debut on Thursday night when they square off with the New York Giants.
Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean could return to the field at MetLife Stadium after recovering from a long-term injury, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Tuesday.
“There’s a chance he could be active this week,” Fangio said. “Not positive yet.”
Dean, one of the key playmakers and leaders on last year’s defense, has waited a long time to return to action. The starting linebacker suffered a torn patellar tendon in January’s NFC Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers.
Dean began the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. His 21-day practice window was opened last week, but Dean was inactive for Sunday’s loss to Denver.
Dean said last week that he felt as though he was “ready to fully go.”
“They wouldn’t have activated my window if not,” Dean said.
Dean recorded 128 tackles, three sacks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a memorable interception as the starting middle linebacker last year. But if Dean plays against the Giants on Thursday, he wouldn’t necessarily slot right into the top job he had in 2024.
“Because he hasn’t had any games, training camp, it wouldn’t be a full-time role,” Fangio said.
Fangio also has to navigate how to get Dean on the field with Zack Baun still playing at an All-Pro level and first-round rookie Jihaad Campbell thriving through five games.
Asked how he’ll thread that needle, Fangio kept it brief: “We’ll figure it out.”
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