The Philadelphia Eagles defense suffered a blow Monday when linebacker Nakobe Dean reportedly suffered a torn patellar tendon and will miss the remainder of the playoffs.

Dean left Sunday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers on crutches after injuring his left knee in the second quarter. He limped off the field and was later taken to the locker room.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, #17, sits on the field after suffering an injury during the first half of an NFL playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

An MRI revealed the worst, NFL Network reports.

The Eagles selected Dean in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in all 17 games of his rookie year and missed most of the 2023 season due to the injury.

He returned in 2024 to become the starting linebacker. He started 15 games, recording 128 tackles and three sacks. He also had an interception, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. He emerged as the team’s top defensive player.

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Nakobe Dean on a cart

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean gestures as he is carried away after suffering an injury during the first half of an NFL playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Dean missed the final two games of the season with an abdominal injury.

Philadelphia will host either the Minnesota Vikings or the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round next weekend.

Nakobe Dean tackles Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, #8, is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, #93, and Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, #17, during the first half of an NFL playoff football game on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

“We’re definitely playing for him out there,” Eagles linebacker Oren Burks, who replaced Dean on defense, said after Sunday’s game. “We’re going to miss him. We don’t know what the situation is, but that’s the mentality going forward.”