Who’s Eagles Replacement for Nakobe Dean?

The Philadelphia Eagles may have the league's top-ranked defense this season, but they'll need to reach the Super Bowl without one of their best defensive leaders.

Nakobe Dean suffered a torn patellar tendon in the second quarter of Philadelphia's 22-10 playoff win over the Green Bay Packers. It's a loss that has sent shockwaves across the entire roster and coaching staff.

"Nakobe's had a great year," head coach Nick Sirianni said. "He's going to be out and we sure will miss him. He's made big plays all year long...he had a couple of plays in yesterday's game that was just outstanding.

"We'll miss him, but we have a lot of faith in the guys in that room."

Philadelphia now has some major decisions to make.

As things stand right now, inside analysis says it appears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will turn to Oren Burks as Dean's current replacement as the MIKE linebacker.

Burks filled in for Dean admirably throughout the later portion of the season, and has playing experience in the playoffs back with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Eagles also have fifth-round rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. as the team's project at the position. Trotter looked good in the season finale against the New York Giants - especially in coverage - but doesn't have the experience in the defense that Burks does.

Philadelphia could opt to sign free-agent players like Kwon Alexander, but in a defense predicated on communication, working a full week with Burks and All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, it's clear that the team will look in-house to replace Dean.

The only question will be if that's enough coming down the stretch.