The Philadelphia Eagles finished the 2024 NFL season at the top of the world, beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 to take home the Lombardi Trophy. Nearly nine months have passed since then, as the 53-man roster deadline passed on Tuesday, bringing the Eagles one step closer to defending their championship in a new season.
Eagles fans can't wait to see their favorite players in action this season, but one player who's entering the campaign with a big question mark over his head is Nakobe Dean. The stud linebacker suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Wild Card showdown with the Green Bay Packers, which is an ailment that forced him to spend the summer on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Some initial reports displayed concern that Dean could miss the entire 2025 campaign, which would be a blow to Philly's defense. Fortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case.
Nakobe Dean indicating he’s starting the season on the PUP list, per his Instagram. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/cvbszOJH5i
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) August 26, 2025
Eagles LB Nakobe Dean Hints at Potential Week 5 Return
On Tuesday afternoon, Dean posted an Instagram story (h/t CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr) with the caption, "See y'all Week 5." Starting a season on the PUP list means a player must miss at least four games, meaning the ex-2022 third-rounder is confident he'll be healthy by the Eagles host the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Considering how a lot of fans were ready for a full year without Dean, his latest update is tremendous. He's one of the Eagles' best defenders when healthy, proven by his amassing 80 solo tackles, four defended passes, three sacks, and a forced fumble in 15 starts last season. Pro Football Focus also graded him highly among 189 fellow LBs when it came to pass rushing (82.5, 8th) and overall defense (75.3, 26th).
Until Dean is healthy, all eyes will be on the rest of the Eagles' LBs to step up in his absence. It's a position littered with talented names like Zack Baun, Nolan Smith Jr., Jihaad Campbell, Jalyx Hunt, and plenty of other names. In other words, the already-dangerous unit will be even more lethal once No. 17 returns to the gridiron.
If Dean is right and he can return by early October, the Eagles will have plenty to celebrate, including another potential Super Bowl run if he stays healthy and plays to his potential.