The Eagles started Devin White and Zack Baun as their off-ball LBs in Friday night's preseason opener against the Ravens. That's especially noteworthy because LB Nakobe Dean entered the game after them. That seems a pretty clear signal Dean isn't close to retaining his starting job from last year. White and Baun both joined Philly as free agents this offseason. Baun joined the Saints as a third-round pick back in 2020 but never found his way into the lineup. He reached a 50% snap share just three times across four seasons in New Orleans.

Eagles LB Nakobe Dean finished the week with a full Friday practice and looks ready to return from the foot injury that has kept him out since Week 1. The team still must officially activate him before 4 p.m. ET Saturday, but that seems likely. It's not yet clear whether Nicholas Morrow or Zach Cunningham will leave the lineup for Dean's return. But practice video showed Dean and Cunningham working together during the week. Cunningham was the starter next to Dean to open the season. You'll find Dean highest among Eagles LBs in our Week 6 rankings, though still projected cautiously for his first game back.