With defensive signal caller Dean done for the postseason with a patellar tendon injury, who will step up in Vic Fangio's defense?

PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles are bringing back a familiar face to add depth at linebacker after losing Nakobe Dean to a season-ending knee injury during Sunday's 2

When news broke that Nakobe Dean suffered a playoffs-ending torn patellar tendon in the Philadelphia Eagles' 22-10 win over the Green Bay Packers, it added a bittersweet tinge to what should have been a celebratory occasion in South Philadelphia.

The Eagles have signed veteran linebacker Nicholas Morrow to their practice squad after Nakobe Dean’s season-ending injury.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee and is out for the remainder of the playoffs, a league source confirmed Monday.

Eagles starting linebacker Nakobe Dean tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during Sunday's wild-card playoff win and will miss the remainder of the playoffs, a league source confirmed.

Vic Fangio has what he calls “a little rule.” A backup linebacker wouldn’t solely practice with another backup linebacker when doing team drills, “because that’s not how it’s going to happen in a game,

Eagles fans hoping to see more of rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in these playoffs got some good news from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio this week. Known for being a straight-shooter, Fangio said of Trotter: “I think Trot’s got a good future ... and that future may be now.”

The plan might change. When starting linebacker Nakobe Dean was forced to leave the Eagles’ wild-card win over the Packers in the second quarter last Sunday with a severe knee injury, it was veteran Oren Burks who replaced Dean.

In Week 16, a bunch of the Commanders' role player receivers had big games. Olamide Zaccheaus had five catches for 70 yards and 2 TDs. Dyami Brown had four catches for 56 yards. Jamison Crowder had 2 TDs.

Everyone knows how important Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley and Jayden Daniels will be on Sunday. This week's Playbook takes a deep dive into the role players who will matter most.