Eagles injuries: Nakobe Dean and James Bradberry to miss time, Philly adds former 1st-rounder
No one wants to see injuries whether that be on your team or the opposition's sideline, but in a demolition derby like the NFL, we expect them to occur. There's some unfortunate news coming out of the NovaCare Complex on a Victory Monday. Starting middle linebacker and quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles defense Nakobe Dean is in a walking boot following the first win of Philly's season.
The second-year player and 2022 third-round draft choice left Week 1's affair versus the New England Patriots with an apparent foot injury and never returned. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports he is expected to miss multiple weeks with the injury.
In a subsequent move, it has been reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Eagles are signing former first-round pick LB Rashaan Evans to their practice squad for depth. He was taken 22nd overall in 2018.
Evans spent his first four NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans and tallied 317 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, and two interceptions from 2018 to 2021. In 2022, he landed in Atlanta and collected 159 tackles, a forced fumble, and two sacks for the Falcons.
If he can be brought up to speed and quickly, the best-case scenario is he could be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster during Dean's absence, but it's unrealistic to assume that such a move will be made on Thursday.
The better option is probably to elevate Nicholas Morrow or Ben VanSumeren. They are also on the practice squad and have been with the team during the spring and summer.
Here's some additional bad news. James Bradberry is in the NFL's concussion protocol.
As if the news surrounding Dean isn't bad enough, it appears that Philly will be without two starters for their home opener versus the Minnesota Vikings. Rapoport also reports that 2022 Second-Team All-Pro James Bradberry is in the NFL's concussion protocol.
The expectation is he'll miss the coming game on Thursday. Hopefully, he'll be back for Week 3 as the Birds will have 11 days to rest after playing their first two games in a five-day span.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni spoke with the media on Monday and provided updates on both Dean and Bradberry.
Coach Sirianni gives an injury update on LB Nakobe Dean. pic.twitter.com/dDaYYIkoNf
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 11, 2023
Coach Sirianni gives an injury update on CB James Bradberry. pic.twitter.com/00efWvlqqZ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 11, 2023
It is assumed that Josh Jobe will make his first career start versus the Vikes in relief. He helped usher an intended receiver out of bounds on Mac Jones' final pass attempt to help preserve an Eagles victory in Week 1.
Jobe collected one tackle, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble versus New England. Let's hope he's ready for primetime. Minnesota will no doubt look to target him as they hope to leave Lincoln Financial Field with a win.