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Plus: the Birds made a practice squad signing.

The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced two moves on Wednesday morning. Here’s an overview:

LB Nakobe Dean’s 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve was opened.
EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland was signed to the practice squad.

Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.

NAKOBE DEAN

Dean is returning to practice for the first time since suffering a torn patellar tendon on January 13. He missed all of training camp and the Eagles’ first four regular season games while on the physically unable to perform list (PUP).

The Eagles now have 21 days to either 1) activate Dean to the roster or 2) shut him down for the season. The former option is expected to come to fruition, though it’s not yet clear when he’ll be ready to play. It could be as soon as this weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos.

Dean’s role moving forward is also unclear. He was a very good starting off-ball linebacker for the Eagles last year. But now the Birds have Jihaad Campbell next to Zack Baun and the rookie first-round pick has shined thus far. Vic Fangio has shut down the idea of moving Campbell to edge rusher to allow Dean to play next to Baun.

So, it seems like Dean will be a backup until further notice? Tough spot for him to be in as he’s playing out the final year of his rookie contract. We’ll just have to wait and see how this situation shakes out.

ANTWAUN POWELL-RYLAND

APR returns to Philly’s practice squad after previously being released on September 5. The Eagles’ final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft had a mostly quiet summer but he did flash during the team’s final preseason game.

The Eagles bringing APR back is clearly connected to the team’s injuries at edge rusher. With Nolan Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo placed on injured reserve, the Birds wanted more depth and signing APR gives them another practice body.