Eagles Buzz: Nakobe Dean hints he’ll be back on the field by Week 5

Quick update from Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean:

Looks like based off of Nakobe Dean’s IG story that the PUP list will soon be announced by the Eagles.

Would be eligible to return Week 5 vs the Broncos 🦅 pic.twitter.com/5xtWs0qsgi

— The Philly Special (@thePHIspecial) August 26, 2025

Nakobe Dean hints he’ll be back in Eagles lineup by Week 5

Coming back in Week 5 pretty much confirms what most of us expected — Nakobe Dean is likely headed to the PUP list to start the season. Honestly, that was always the best-case scenario given the severity of his injury. Anything sooner, like a Week 1 return, would’ve been nothing short of a miracle.

The good news? Vic Fangio isn’t losing any sleep. He’s got Jihaad Campbell locked, loaded, and ready to go, and the Birds’ defense should hold it down just fine without Dean for the first month.

Shop Birds Gear Here

But here’s the kicker — this is a contract year for Dean. The Eagles love competition, and if Campbell comes out firing right away, there’s a real chance Dean never gets his starting spot back. That makes this season absolutely massive for him. Every snap he gets after his return is going to be an audition — not just for the Eagles, but for the entire league.

From the front office’s perspective, it’s a win-win. Either they get the best version of Nakobe Dean as he plays for his next contract, or Campbell proves he’s the long-term answer at linebacker and the Birds are set for the future. No matter how it plays out, Philadelphia’s defense should be in good hands — and that’s a problem for the rest of the NFC East.