PHILADELPHIA — A key Eagles defensive player could make his 2025 season debut on Thursday night when they square off with the New York Giants.

Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean could return to the field at MetLife Stadium after recovering from a long-term injury, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Tuesday.

“There’s a chance he could be active this week,” Fangio said. “Not positive yet.”

Dean, one of the key playmakers and leaders on last year’s defense, has waited a long time to return to action. The starting linebacker suffered a torn patellar tendon in January’s NFC Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers.

Dean began the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. His 21-day practice window was opened last week, but Dean was inactive for Sunday’s loss to Denver.

Dean sai

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