Nakobe Dean reportedly expected to head to IR again

[time2rock]

Nakobe Dean reportedly expected to head to IR again

A frustrating season for Nakobe Dean keeps piling on as the young LB is reportedly expected to head back to IR.

By Dave Zangaro • Published November 8, 2023

 

Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean is expected to head back to Injured Reserve, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, Dean suffered a Lisfranc sprain against the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon and will see a foot specialist. When Dean left the field, he slammed his helmet to the ground, walked inside with a trainer and did not return.

This will be the second stint on IR for Dean this season with a foot injury. This injury doesn’t necessarily end Dean’s season. Players can be designated to return from IR twice per season.

But the 2023 campaign is certainly not going how Dean expected. The 22-year-old came into the season as the Eagles’ MIKE linebacker and signal caller but got hurt in the season opener against the Patriots and missed four games. Upon his return on Oct. 15, Dean found himself in a linebacker rotation with Nicholas Morrow and Zach Cunningham.

And after just four games in that rotation, Dean (who never missed a game at Georgia) is already hurt again. It’s also worth noting that Dean hasn’t played exceptionally well when he has been on the field.

In five games this season (four starts), Dean has 30 tackles, half a sack, 2 TFLs and 1 QB hit. He’s been better against the run than the pass.

The Eagles basically gave Dean a redshirt rookie season behind T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White in 2022. But the team was ready to insert the third-round pick from Georgia into the starting lineup in 2023. He was the MIKE linebacker all spring and summer and in the first start of the season. But a frustrating year keeps piling on.

For however long Dean is out, the Eagles will rely on Morrow and Cunningham. Morrow didn’t even make the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp and Cunningham didn’t sign with the team until August. But both have played above expectations this season. 

This injury does leave the Eagles light with linebacker depth. Their only pure linebacker on the bench is Christian Elliss. They do have Ben VanSumeren and Brandon Smith on the practice squad.

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/nakobe-dean-reportedly-expected-to-head-to-ir-again/545402/

[UK_EaglesFan89]

The guy just can’t stay healthy! LB is going to be a need this off season again. Shock.

[EaglesAddict]

33 minutes ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

The guy just can’t stay healthy! LB is going to be a need this off season again. Shock.

Yep.  Dean has the makings of a bust (but I won't call him that yet)...or at best, a mediocre player best served as a backup in the NFL.  Every single year we always need LB help.  

[UK_EaglesFan89]

1 hour ago, EaglesAddict said:

Yep.  Dean has the makings of a bust (but I won't call him that yet)...or at best, a mediocre player best served as a backup in the NFL.  Every single year we always need LB help.  

I wouldn’t say a bust bud… he was a third round pick. When he’s been healthy for a third round pick I think he’s been fine. He hasn’t elite but then he’s a third round pick that came with perhaps a slightly bigger upside.

[EaglesAddict]

20 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I wouldn’t say a bust bud… he was a third round pick. When he’s been healthy for a third round pick I think he’s been fine. He hasn’t elite but then he’s a third round pick that came with perhaps a slightly bigger upside.

Not calling him one yet, but he can't stay healthy and when he's been on the field his play has been somewhere between bad and mediocre.  He's likely done for this year so now we'll have to wait until next season again.  Next year will be make or break, for sure.  

He could certainly carve out a role as a role player, special teamer, decent backup, etc.  But, the odds are starting to get longer that he's going to be a good multi-year starter

[UK_EaglesFan89]

53 minutes ago, EaglesAddict said:

Not calling him one yet

I just don’t think a third round pick who’s played can be a bust? Third round picks are generally your back up guys would the odd one hitting as a starter and perhaps more. 

[EaglesAddict]

1 hour ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I just don’t think a third round pick who’s played can be a bust? Third round picks are generally your back up guys would the odd one hitting as a starter and perhaps more. 

Any player can be called a "bust" technically.  If a 7th round player is out of the league after 1 year or doesn't even make the team...he could technically be considered a bust. 

I know we typically use that term for higher round draft picks.  But I certainly include 3rd rounders in that.  Day 1 and Day 2 picks should be quality starters if you draft well.

[weko]

13 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I just don’t think a third round pick who’s played can be a bust? Third round picks are generally your back up guys would the odd one hitting as a starter and perhaps more. 

You get starters from the first 3 rounds.  4th rounders should eventually be able to start or be a rotational piece.  5th rounders should make the team and be able to contribute in a niche role by year 3.  6th & 7th rounders are PS candidates.