What Happened to Nakobe Dean? NFL Patellar Tendon Tear Injury Update

Concern among Eagles supporters has arisen regarding linebacker Nakobe Dean, who was diagnosed with a patellar tendon tear after his injury during Sunday’s wildcard game against the Green Bay Packers (January 12). During the second quarter, as he grappled with tight-end Tucker Kraft, Dean sustained a knee injury and was wheeled off the field. Following the match, he was observed using crutches and wearing a bulky brace on his knee in the locker room. Here’s an overview of Nakobe Dean’s patellar tendon tear and the anticipated time frame for his recovery.

What is the recovery time for Nakobe Dean’s torn patellar tendon?

Based on reports from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, it’s anticipated that Nakobe Dean could require approximately eight months for recovery from his torn patellar tendon. This injury may lead him to potentially miss the beginning of the upcoming season.

The patellar tendon links the kneecap to the lower leg bone (shinbone), and works in conjunction with the thigh muscle to extend the leg correctly. Mild tears in the patellar tendon can cause walking difficulties, whereas a severe tear usually necessitates surgery followed by physical therapy, as per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Based on the seriousness of Dean’s injury, as indicated by the MRI results, it appears he might have experienced a significant tendon rupture. Generally, surgical intervention on the knee to mend the damage takes around six months for full recovery, although it could take up to a year before the patient feels the tendon is completely healed.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Dean was selected by the Eagles. He started during the 2023 season, but due to multiple foot injuries, he could only play for a small part of it. In September 2023, he was put on injured reserve, and he returned to the field in October. Unfortunately, he sustained a Lisfranc injury and was placed back on injured reserve in November.

Come October 2024, I found myself let go from the Eagles’ roster, with Nakobe Dean snatching my starting middle linebacker spot during preseason training. He truly outshone me!

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2025-01-13 22:11