Former Georgia football LB returns to Eagles after lengthy absence

Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean has returned to the Philadelphia Eagles for practice after a lengthy absence. Dean has been out due to a torn left patellar tendon he suffered in the Eagles' playoff win over the Green Bay Packers in January.

Dean's return gives a boost to the Philadelphia defense, but there's no guarantee he'll return for the Eagles' Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos. The former Georgia linebacker posted 128 tackles, three sacks and forced a fumble last season. Dean, a 2022 NFL draft third-round pick, is in his fourth season in the NFL. Last season, he helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl.

The Eagles opened Dean's 21-day practice window and now he has time to ramp up for his return. Dean spent the first four weeks of the 2025 NFL season the PUP list.

Philadelphia is still expected to start Zack Baun and first-round rookie Jihaad Campbell at inside linebacker. However, Dean's return boosts the Eagles' depth and gives them more flexibility to linebacker, which could allow Baun to rush the passer more.

In other Philadelphia injury news, former Georgia Bulldogs pass rusher Nolan Smith landed on injured reserve this week after aggravating a triceps injury. Smith is expected to return in November.

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Former Georgia LB Nakobe Dean returns to Philadelphia Eagles practice