Eagles LB Nakobe Dean brings Philly fans some Christmas cheer with firsthand injury update

The key Eagles’ linebacker should return to action soon.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles received a scare earlier in Week 16 when linebacker Nakobe Dean went down with an injury. Luckily for the Eagles, it sounds like he avoided anything major and is looking forward to a return to action for Philly.

Eagles LB Nakobe Dean gives positive injury update to fans

The energetic, young linebacker for Philadelphia assured fans and media alike at a toy drive in Cherry Hill on Sunday that he is “just fine” after suffering a hamstring injury in the Eagles’ Week 16 victory. It was just a tweak, according to Dean, so hopefully he can return at full strength soon.

Dean’s biggest issue so far in the pros has been his availability. The young defender was limited to five games in 2023 and was banged up at times last season. That being said, he fought through them to play in 15 games. This season, Dean has started in eight games and played in ten total.

The linebacker is a candidate to get a massive pay raise this offseason. He is set to become a free agent as his rookie deal comes to a close. The Eagles will need to try their best to keep him in the fold on defense.

Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis tried to reassure everyone not to worry about Dean right after the game, but it is another positive sign that Dean himself is telling everyone he will be OK. Davis clearly had the upper hand on his injury info and wanted to make fans feel better quickly.

Dean’s burst and athleticism at his size have been a game-changer for the Eagles’ defense when he is healthy. They can use him in so many different ways in coverage, on the blitz, or spying on the quarterback. Rookie LB Jihaad Campbell came in for Dean when he went down on Saturday.

Hopefully, Dean can get back on the field by the time the postseason begins. It remains to be seen if he will miss any games as the regular season winds down, but the team surely will not rush him back to risk further injury.

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