The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean was having a solid third season and first full year as the starter before a postseason injury put an end to it. Dean recorded 128 tackles, nine TFLs, three sacks, one interception, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 15 regular-season starts, along with 14 pressures, 56 stops, and a 116.0 passer rating per PFF. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn left patellar tendon in the Wild Card Round, which typically carries a six-to-twelve-month recovery time.
Since the injury occurred later in the season, chances are he misses the start of 2025.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ LB is progressing nicely
So far, Nakobe Dean is progressing nicely, four months removed from the patellar injury. Dean is currently rehabbing without a brace on his left knee and looked healthy during the Eagles Memorial Day outing at The Palestra, suggesting that he is ahead of schedule. The team went to The Palestra, located at the University of Pennsylvania, to play some basketball at the historic arena.
We’ve got some certified BALLERS ⛹️ pic.twitter.com/tuBQAlM7e0
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 23, 2025
He is also taking up a unique activity.
1 unique activity aiding starters’ recovery
Former NFL players, including Lynn Swann, Walter Payton, Herschel Walker, and Steve McLendon, have used ballet to aid them in recovering from injuries and boosting their performance on the football field. During Thursday’s interview with Brendan Brightman and Matt DeLucia of NBC Philadelphia, Nakobe Dean shared that he has been taking up ballet at BalletX to aid in his recovery. Dean also added that the ballet has assisted with his flexibility, mobility, and agility, and he is feeling less tight and sore.
“There’s way more flexibility, of course. Way more mobility,” Dean said of the results of his ballet training, via Brightman and DeLucia. “It’s definitely something that’s helping with my rehab.
“You just feel a change immediately. After you stretch, you’re not as tight or as sore.”
While Dean is optimistic about his rehab, there is no clear timetable for his return. He also hopes to be ready for the start of 2025.
He is facing a pivotal 2025 campaign
Once he returns, Nakobe Dean faces a pivotal 2025 campaign because he enters the final year of his rookie contract and will hit free agency in 2026. If things work out, Dean could sign a lucrative long-term extension next offseason or sign elsewhere for a decent amount. If things don’t work out, he will likely sign for much less.
