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Eagles' Devin White out for NFL Week 1 vs. Packers with ankle injury | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 9: Devin White #45 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles' newly formed linebacker team will have to do without Devin White for the season opener.

Philadelphia announced Wednesday that White will miss Friday's game against the Green Bay Packers due to an ankle injury.

According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia InquirerNakobe Dean was already slated to be the Eagles' starter at the mike linebacker position before White was added to the injured list on Tuesday.

McLane added that it was “unclear” what role White would play in defense.

Albert Breer @AlbertBreer

There were rumors that the Eagles might trade Devin White before the cutdown – Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean have both been really good in camp. Fair or not, White's absence from the opening game won't exactly help his chances of playing a major role on defense. https://t.co/6Sm5wIIETw

After losing TJ Edwards and Kyzir White in free agency following the 2022 season, the Eagles' off-ball linebackers were a mess last year. Nicholas Morrow and Zach Cunningham were their primary starters, but they brought in Shaquille Leonard late in the season while trying to find someone who could provide them with competent play.

Dean was touted as a third-round draft pick in 2022 due to his outstanding play at Georgia, which included a Butkus Award in 2021, but injuries limited him to five games last season. He played only 34 defensive snaps as a newbie.

To bolster their linebackers for the upcoming season, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman signed White as a free agent. He spent the last five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and earned a spot on the All-Pro second team in 2020.

White's speed makes him especially effective in blitz and pass-rush situations. He was effective in coverage in the final period last season after missing three games with a foot injury.

It doesn't appear that new Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had any big plans for White in Week 1, and keeping him out until he's fully healthy is the right decision.

The downside is that they lose depth at one position against an opponent that likes to attack the middle of the field. Jordan Love's rise last season came with him shooting between the numbers more often.

It will be up to Dean and Zack Baun to protect that area of ​​the field on Friday when the Eagles and Packers play the NFL's first regular season game in Brazil.

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