Lost in the celebration of Sunday’s 22-10 playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers was a glaring issue for the Philadelphia Eagles that could derail their Super Bowl championship hopes. 

That issue? 

Sunday’s win came at a cost. A major cost on the injury front. 

Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) is helped off the field against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Philadelphia lost several starters throughout their win over Green Bay. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Darius Slay each exited but returned to the game. A.J. Brown didn’t look like his usual self while he played through an injury to his knee. 

Those injuries pale in comparison to the issues being dealt with by team’s starting middle linebacker. 

Nakobe Dean has enjoyed an incredible breakout season this year under Vic Fangio’s leadership. The Georgia star recorded over 100 tackles with multiple passes defended and picked off as well. 

He also left the game with an apparent knee injury. After the game, Dean was seen leaving the facility in a brace and crutches. 

Not a good look for his chances to return for the remainder of the season. 

Before his injury, Dean has recorded six tackles and three for losses during the team’s contest. He has grown into one of the better young linebackers in the game. 

Without him, Philadelphia will need to rely on Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to work with Zach Baun moving forward. It’s a tall task at this moment.

Philadelphia is dealing with a plethora of injuries right now. Their biggest one, though, could hold them back from being one of the top contenders moving forward – and could threaten to ruin their Super Bowl dream.

It’s not Brown, Gardner-Johnson, or Slay. 

It’s the linebacker about whom so many had questions about before the season.