Eagles lose key defensive piece in Wild Card Round game vs. Packers

Oren Burks had 17 tackles vs the New York Giants in Week 18 and if the Philadelphia Eagles want to advance to the Divisional Round, he's going to have to play a big defensive role.

The Eagles, who jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first half vs the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card, lost a key piece of their defense in the same half.

But it's next man up for Philadelphia... especially in the playoffs where you win or go home.

Nakobe Dean carted off with a knee injury

Eagles young linebacker Nakobe Dean, who plays alongside All-Pro Zack Baun, suffered a knee injury midway through the second quarter on Sunday vs the Packers.

Dean was able to walk off of the field with assistance from trainers, a good sign -- but was then helped into a cart and taken into the locker room for further evaluation.

Dean had an impactful quarter-and-a-half, collecting six tackles an adding two tackles for loss on a Packers offensive line that ranks second in the NFL in sacks allowed per game.

The Georgia alum was quickly ruled out with the injury after being carted into the locker room, according to the team.

Burks will have to step up in his place, and begun to in the remainder of the first half. He had two tackles while the Eagles defense held the Packers to zero points.

Dean was second on the team in tackles in the regular season, behind Baun, and ahead of the next closest player -- Reed Blankenship -- by 50 tackles. He had nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Losing Dean for any amount of time would be a big deal for a Philadelphia defense that has heavily relied on its linebackers this season. He will liekly have an MRI done on Monday morning and results should be expected shortly after.

We won't lie. We are worried. He left the game on crutches and was wearing a brace.

Fingers are crossed for a speedy recovery Nakobe. We are pulling for you!

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