The Philadelphia Eagles face a significant setback as linebacker Nakobe Dean will miss the remainder of the postseason due to a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, sustained during their wild-card victory against the Green Bay Packers. Coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged Dean's absence will be felt by the team, praising his contributions throughout the season. Dean, who had emerged as a key player with a league-leading 41 'stops,' is now likely to miss time well into the 2025 season, impacting the Eagles' defensive strategy.

In Dean's absence, Oren Burks stepped in during the game, but his performance was marred by inconsistent tackling. Having primarily been a special teams player in his previous seasons, Burks emphasized the importance of preparation, showcasing his readiness to fill Dean's role. As the Eagles navigate through the playoffs without Dean, Burks' performance will be crucial for the team's defensive resilience and overall playoff ambitions.