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Eagles' Nolan Smith Showed Support to Teammate Nakobe Dean When Running Out for Game

Dean suffered a season-ending knee injury last week in the wild-card game.

Madison Williams

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith reacts to a play vs. the Green Bay Packers.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith reacts to a play vs. the Green Bay Packers. / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith was excited to compete in the NFC divisional game vs. the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, but he made sure to show support to his fellow linebacker Nakobe Dean, who had to miss the game due to injury.

Dean suffered a season-ending knee injury vs. the Green Bay Packers last week. Before he was carted off the field, Dean had totaled six tackles and two tackles for loss in the wild-card game. Dean's injury was a big blow to the Eagles' defense.

In order to honor Dean while he recovers, Smith ran out of the Eagles' tunnel holding Dean's jersey above his head. It was a heartwarming way for him to support his teammate and friend.

During the regular season, Dean totaled 128 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He will surely be missed on the field as the Eagles try to book a trip to the NFC championship next weekend to face the Washington Commanders.

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Madison Williams
MADISON WILLIAMS

Madison Williams is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where she specializes in tennis but covers a wide range of sports from a national perspective. Before joining SI in 2022, Williams worked at The Sporting News. Having graduated from Augustana College, she completed a master’s in sports media at Northwestern University. She is a dog mom and an avid reader.

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