Eagles' Nakobe Dean Starts Training Camp on PUP List, Jihaad Campbell Ready to Go

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean will kick off training camp with an injury designation, as confirmed by general manager Howie Roseman on Wednesday.

Dean, who suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee during the Eagles' wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers in January, will start on the active/physically unable to perform list. "He's doing a great job with his rehab. Can't wait to get him back," Roseman stated, adding that all other players are ready to hit the field.

In contrast, rookie Jihaad Campbell, the first linebacker drafted by the Eagles in the first round in over four decades, is fully healthy and participated in practice. The Eagles traded up one spot in April's draft to select Campbell from the University of Alabama with the 31st overall pick.

Campbell, a First-Team All-SEC linebacker during his time with the Crimson Tide, missed the Eagles' offseason program due to recovery from a torn labrum in his shoulder. "You're going to see him out there today," said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. "It will be fun to get him out there and start working with him. He looks like he had a great summer, and I'm excited to have him out there."

Sirianni expressed enthusiasm about the Eagles' linebacker group, which includes All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun. Dean had a standout season in 2024 before his knee injury during the playoffs. With Dean on the PUP list, the coaching staff will need to determine who will fill the role alongside Baun.

Second-year player Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is expected to receive significant opportunities if he can adapt to the off-ball linebacker position within defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme. Campbell's readiness for practice will also influence this decision.

"The linebacker position is Vic's specialty as well," Sirianni noted. "He'll have his hands all over that. Excited to see how these guys develop. That's our job. Howie gets us great players, and you can't be great without great players."

The Eagles reported to the NovaCare Complex on Tuesday for training camp, with Wednesday marking their first day of practice.