Report: Eagles LB Nakobe Dean suffers torn patellar tendon, out for remainder of playoffs

The Eagles will be without one of their starting linebackers for the remainder of the postseason.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Dean suffered a torn patellar tendon in yesterday’s Wild Card game against Green Bay, sidelining him for Philadelphia’s playoff run and potentially beyond.

#Eagles LB Nakobe Dean, at the tail end of a breakout season, suffered torn patellar tendon in his knee and is out for the playoffs, per me and @MikeGarafolo.

A tough blow for Philly and for Dean, who has a long road to recovery. He’ll likely miss the start of next season. pic.twitter.com/xtNdv5ttEQ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2025

Dean exited in the second quarter after making a tackle on Packers TE Tucker Kraft and eventually had to be carted off. The Eagles quickly ruled him out for the game.

It’s a tough break for Dean amidst a breakout season after finally getting healthy and winning the starting role in training camp.

“He’s been our leader for the whole year, just commanding accountability from the top down,” Eagles linebacker Oren Burks said. “We’re gonna miss him, don’t know what the situation is, but again, next man up.”

Burks filled in for Dean during yesterday’s game and the drop-off was noticeable. Vic Fangio will need a plan moving forward as the Eagles prepare to face the winner of tonight’s Rams/Vikings matchup in the divisional round.

Dean ends his season with 128 tackles, three sacks, four pass breakups, and an interception.

Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean was carted off the field after suffering an apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/lvsSlPThKk

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2025

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images