The first round of the NFL Playoffs is almost complete, and so far former Georgia football stars have been having amazing performances. The best performance so far this weekend easily was from Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey who set an NFL rookie receiving record during the Chargers' loss on Saturday.
And while many other Bulldogs' also shined this past weekend, one star linebacker from Georgia unfortunately suffered a season ending injury that could impact his availability next season as well.
Philadelphia Eagle LB Nakobe Dean
The Philadelphia Eagles took on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in a game that really wasn't much of a game as the Eagles won 22-10. There were many Bulldogs all over the field for this game, but unfortunately one of them suffered a very bad injury. And that was linebacker Nakobe Dean with the Eagles.
Dean was having a very good game for the Eagles on Sunday as he had already totaled six tackles which included two tackles for a loss. However, Dean unfortunately suffered an injury that was later confirmed by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport to be a torn patellar tendon in his knee that will cause him to miss the rest of the playoffs.
#Eagles LB Nakobe Dean, at the tail end of a breakout season, suffered torn patellar tendon in his knee and is out for the playoffs, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2025
A tough blow for Philly and for Dean, who has a long road to recovery. He’ll likely miss the start of next season. pic.twitter.com/xtNdv5ttEQ
Rapoport also shared that this injury will likely cause him to miss the beginning of next season as well.
Dean was in his third season in the NFL and was having his best season by far. This year Dean recorded 128 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one interception. His first two seasons in the league weren't anything to write home about, but this season Dean showed that he was one of the best linebackers in the league.
While there is no good time to suffer an injury, this injury came at the worst time possible as the Eagles are a legit threat to win the Super Bowl. Unfortunately Dean will no longer be able to contribute towards that goal, but if the Eagles do go on to win the Super Bowl then Dean will still deserve as much credit as anyone else on the team.