Eagles' Devin White Drama Takes Another Turn Ahead of Week 2

The Philadelphia Eagles were without two key defensive players in last week’s win over the Green Bay Packers.

The Eagles didn’t have cornerback Isaiah Rodgers or linebacker Devin White, who were both ruled out due to injury. Eagles fans were shocked to see White on the injury list as there was a belief he would be one of the team’s starting linebackers this season.

However, White was outplayed in training camp by third-year linebacker Nakobe Dean, who had a solid performance against Green Bay. Dean had four combined tackles, a pass deflection, and a tackle for loss.

Between Dean and Zack Baun’s performance in Week 1, White could be the odd man out on the Eagles’ defense. 

On Wednesday, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was asked if Dean did enough in the season opener against Green Bay to continue even with a healthy White. Fangio said, “Nakobe is the starter,” according to Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice.

If that’s the case, White’s chance of cashing in on his one-year deal with the Eagles could be in jeopardy. Last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the veteran linebacker started in 13 out of 14 games. 

To go from a starter to a backup linebacker is a huge drop-off. But White likely isn’t out of the conversation to be a starter. Dean must show he can carry this momentum into Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons and stay healthy.

The young linebacker also played in five games last season (four starts) before being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury. However, the former Georgia standout is off to a great start in 2024.

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