Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean sits out of Thursday's training camp practice with possible injury
There used to be an old saying, and it went something like this. Teams and athletes that play or practice with the mindset of avoiding injuries are often the first to suffer one. While that probably has nothing to do with today's events, two things must be noted. Whether we would like to admit this or not, we have all had that idea in the back of our minds whenever the Philadelphia Eagles take the field for one of those now-legendary light practices of theirs. Don't look now, but news breaks from the NovaCare Complex.
During Thursday's practice session, Philly's second padded session of the summer, James Bradberry and Nakobe Dean both took individual trips with trainers to the medical tent. The former returned to the field. The latter never made it on the field as Christian Elliss and Nicholas Morrow worked out with the first team as the starting linebackers.
Dean spent the session on the sideline minus a helmet. Deon Cain missed his second straight day of practice as he heals from an ankle issue. Derek Barnett (knee), Avonte Maddox (toe), and Haason Reddick all participated but did so in a 'limited' capacity.
Don't panic yet. So far, there's no reason to believe Nakobe Dean's absence was much more than a cautionary move.
Most of you are aware of most of this. Here are a few nuggets for the newbies. The Eagles drafted Dean 83rd overall during Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft. He is expected to start at middle linebacker this season, and, so far, he has been credited by teammates and coaches for making nice strides this spring and summer.
If you're concerned, don't be. It's football. It's a demolition derby. Freak accidents and bumps and bruises are the norm. It is also worth noting that an Eagles employee told Jeff McLane of the Philly Inquirer that "He's fine", so this appears to have been a cautionary move.
For now, there seems to be no reason to worry. We'll most certainly keep both eyes on Nakobe's progress and update this one should anything happen. In the meantime, another practice session is in the books, and we're closing in on the first Eagles preseason game, one that's scheduled for August 12th versus the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.