Logo

Eagles ‘Green-Dot’ LB Opens Practice Window, Returns to Practice Today

Philadelphia, PA — October 2, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles received a significant boost today as one of their defensive centerpieces is finally back on the field. The team officially opened Nakobe Dean’s practice window, signaling the end of a prolonged injury layoff and the start of his ramp-up toward game action.

The update arrives after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Dean’s recovery timeline. Fans and coaches alike had been waiting for clarity, and this step injects timely optimism as the regular season heats up.

Dean, the Eagles’ signal-calling linebacker and on-field “green-dot” communicator, began the year sidelined and was placed on injured reserve. Under NFL rules, once a player is designated to return from IR, the club has 21 days to evaluate him in practice before deciding whether to activate him to the 53-man roster.

A 2022 draft pick out of Georgia, Dean has been lauded for his instincts, range, and leadership—traits that helped anchor a national-title defense in college and quickly earned him trust in Philadelphia. When healthy, his burst and play recognition give the Eagles flexibility in both blitz and coverage looks, and his communication helps tie the front and back end together.

Injuries have interrupted that trajectory, raising fair questions about durability even as the upside remains clear. Today’s move offers the clearest path yet toward getting Dean’s impact back into the lineup.

Head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the momentum earlier this week. “We’re excited to get Nakobe back into drills and see how he responds day to day. It’s a big lift for the room,” he said, emphasizing the staff’s focus on workload management and performance benchmarks.

For a Philadelphia defense intent on tightening the screws as the schedule toughens, Dean’s return couldn’t be better timed. If he checks the right boxes over the next few practices, the Eagles could soon restore their defensive quarterback—and with him, a sharper identity in the middle of the field.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722