The Eagles received good and bad news before Thursday night’s game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
After missing the first five weeks as he recovered from knee surgery, Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean was removed from the physically unable to perform list and is expected to suit up tonight.
The bad news: star defensive tackle Jalen Carter could miss the Giants game with a heel injury.
The Eagles elevated defensive tackle Gabe Hall from the practice squad to prepare for Carter’s potential absence. Carter was on Tuesday’s injury report.
Dean tore his left patellar tendon in January’s playoff win over the Green Bay Packers. He amassed 128 tackles and three sacks in 15 games last season.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Dean’s long-term future with the Eagles is in doubt. First-round rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell seized Dean’s role and looks like a future All-Pro.
The Eagles won’t take snaps away from Campbell to get Dean on the field. In certain situations, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could use Campbell as an edge rusher and play Dean next to Baun.
In his first game back, Dean is unlikely to have a big role. He could play on special teams.
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