Report: Eagles lose crucial defensive player for playoffs due to devastating injury.

Against the Packers, Nakobe Dean sustained a knee injury.

Report: Eagles lose crucial defensive player for playoffs due to devastating injury.
Report: Eagles lose crucial defensive player for playoffs due to devastating injury.

On Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles defense was hit as linebacker Nakobe Dean reportedly suffered a torn patellar tendon and will miss the rest of the playoffs.

On crutches, Dean exited Sunday night's game against the Green Bay Packers after sustaining a left-knee injury in the second quarter. He hobbled off the field before being wheeled to the locker room.

Nakobe Dean on the ground
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, #17, sits on the ground after an injury during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

The NFL Network reported that an MRI revealed the worst.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Eagles picked Dean in the third round. Despite playing all 17 games in his rookie year, he missed most of the 2023 season due to an injury.

In 2024, he returned to the starting linebacker position and played in 15 games, making 128 tackles, three sacks, an interception, four pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. He became a top defensive player on the team.

Nakobe Dean on the cart
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean gestures as he is carted away after an injury during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

With an abdominal injury, Dean was unable to play in the final two games of the regular season.

The divisional round next weekend will feature either the Minnesota Vikings or Los Angeles Rams in Philadelphia.

Nakobe Dean tackles Josh Jacobs
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, #8, is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, #93, and Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, #17, during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

"After Sunday's game, Eagles linebacker Oren Burks stated, "We're definitely playing for him out there. We're going to miss him. We don't know what the situation is, but this is a next man-up mentality.""

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by Ryan Gaydos

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