PHILADELPHIA — Nakobe Dean didn’t know how much he missed football until the Eagles’ Wednesday morning walkthrough. And then it hit him.
“I probably had the biggest smile,” said Dean, who on Tuesday came off injured reserve with a foot injury . “It’s great being back with the team. I never missed a game. Ever. Since Little League or anything. So, for me to miss games because of injury, I definitely felt it, but I had to stay mentally strong through the whole process, continue to work and get better.”
Dean was listed as limited although he was teamed with starter Zach Cunningham in the linebacker drills. Also limited at practice were safety Sydney Brown (hamstring), defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (back) and tight end Jack Stoll (shoulder).
Held out of practice were cornerback Darius Slay (knee), safety Justin Evans (knee) and defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu (triceps).
Running back Rashaad Penny, who was scratched Sunday, returned to practice.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni wouldn’t commit to Dean recapturing his starting job this week. The Eagles want to see Dean practice. Additionally, with Dean out veteran linebacker Nicholas Morrow has played well and done a solid job calling the signals.
At the same time, it speaks volumes that the Eagles brought Dean along for the road trips while he was on IR.
“Not only because it was all I know, but because I wanted to stay with the team,” Dean said. “I believe I’m a part of our defense. It’s my job. So, I’m coming in here doing rehab, going to every single meeting, going through the game plan, watching all the film, and if we’re playing, I’m on the sideline. Even though I wasn’t on the sideline, it would be the same thing.”
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NOTES >> Sitting out the Wednesday practice for the Jets (2-3) were running back Nick Bawden (calf), cornerback Brandin Echols (hamstring) and cornerback Justin Hardee (hamstring). … Jets kicker Greg Zeurlein is the AFC special teams player of the week after producing 17 kicking points in a 31-21 win over the Broncos. Zeurlein kicked five field goals, the longest from 49 yards. … Dallas Goedert’s 117 receiving yards were the most of any tight end in the league last week. … The Eagles lead the league with 57 quarterback pressures. … Just six teams have fewer penalties than the Jets, who have committed 26 accepted penalties on the season. The Eagles have had 29 accepted penalties. … Eagles are 7-point favorites versus the Jets Sunday at MetLife Stadium (4:25 p.m.). Rain is forecast on game day.
Source: Berkshire mont