Nakobe Dean Returns to Action After Long Injury Layoff

LOS ANGELES, CA – Nakobe Dean is back on the field after a 255-day layoff due to a knee injury, but he struggles with feelings of rustiness. The linebacker speaks about his recent return to play part-time, despite the impressive high level he has showcased in the last two weeks.

Dean suffered a left knee injury during a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, leading to surgery shortly afterward. His recovery kept him off the field for all of OTAs, training camp, and the preseason. He returned to practice last month and played 64 snaps in the last two games against the Vikings and Giants.

“I mean, I do feel a little rusty,” Dean mentioned at his locker on Friday. “I missed a couple backfield plays, missed a couple TFL (tackles for loss) opportunities.” He acknowledged that some familiar routes caught him off guard. “I got beat on a route that I damn near never get beat on,” he added. “I knocked a little rust off but have a little more to go.”

Zack Baun, a fellow linebacker and Dean’s close friend, laughed at Dean’s comments about rust. “He said he’s rusty? He’s not rusty. Watch him play,” Baun said, highlighting Dean’s performance in recent games.

Dean expressed excitement about being back on the field after missing critical matches, including Rams and Commanders playoff games, and even the Super Bowl last year. “It’s been great just being able to play the game and fly around and make plays,” he said. “I feel like I was able to play about Week 3, if you would have asked me.”

Dean has used his time away from the field wisely. While recovering, he expanded his mental approach to the game, stating, “If you want to stay connected to the game, you got to do it mentally. You gotta play the game in your head.” He focused on watching film and understanding various positions and strategies.

During his absence, teammates Baun and Campbell filled the inside linebacker roles, creating healthy competition. Dean looks forward to contributing more as the season progresses. “Every week you want to continue to get better,” he said, citing the challenge of improving during the NFL season.

As the team approaches November, Dean emphasized the importance of hitting their stride. “You want to make sure you’re hitting that stride when it’s time to hit that stride,” he said. Although he laughed off his thoughts on rust, he remains determined to continue his growth as a player.