January 14, 2025   4 MIN READ

Axe Marks The Start?

Rookie LB Could Make Playoff Debut Vs. Rams

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The absence of linebacker Nakobe Dean, who suffered a torn patellar tendon in the Eagles’ 22-10 win over the Green Bay Packers, will be a seismic one for the Eagles.

It’s also a void that could take more than one player to fill, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio revealed Tuesday during his media availability.

While Fangio played veteran Oren Burks for 36 snaps in relief of Dean in the wild-card win, he also expressed confidence in rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., even forecasting a platoon role with the veteran and rookie linebackers Sunday in the divisional round against the Rams.

“We’ll probably get Trott – we’re not afraid to put him in there,” Fangio said, later adding, “I think Trot’s got a good future. And that future may be now.

“He’s got good instincts, really likes the game, he’s smart. He’s got a lot of good qualities.”

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. getty

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles rookie LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. could make his playoff debut on defense Sunday vs. Rams.

Trotter Jr., a fifth-round rookie from Clemson, played in the team’s 41-7 home win over Dallas in Week 17.

He rotated briefly with Burks, who had started in place of an injured Dean (abdomen), and registered three tackles, a half-sack and a quarterback hit over 23 snaps.

Trotter made his first career start in the season finale against the Giants, finishing second behind Burks for the team lead in tackles (11). The 22-year-old was quick to identify what he wanted to showcase in his only extensive sample size of the season.

“I think a big thing was block destruction,” he said after the game. “Just because that’s what our Linebackers Coach – Coach [Bobby] King – and linebackers really put to heart and wanna make our character, being able to get on and off blocks.”

Fangio also endorsed Burks, the veteran who has played in the postseason in six of his seven NFL seasons. Burks also started in last year’s Super Bowl for the 49ers.

As another move with Dean out for the postseason, the Eagles brought back veteran linebacker Nic Morrow, signing him to the practice squad, per the NFL Network.

Morrow, who spent most of this season with the Bills, started 12 games for the Eagles and also has plenty of special teams experience.

Given the razor-thin margin for error and pressure that accompanies postseason football, Fangio is likely to still save a prominent role for Burks, perhaps in a platoon situation.

“Oren’s a good athlete, can run, he’s got experience playing,” Fangio said. “Good tackler, as we saw on the opening kickoff. And we like him, too.”

Burks’ hit on the opening kick caused a Green Bay fumble.

Fangio also mentioned his aversion to pairing reserve linebackers together at practice, because “that’s not how it’s gonna happen in a game.”

From a communication and cohesion standpoint, both Burks and Trotter Jr. have repped alongside starter Zach Baun, which should help alleviate any potential hiccups.

While it’s likely that Burks starts, expect Trotter Jr. to factor into the equation situationally.

Playoffs, schematics and high-leverage moments aside, Trotter Jr. has exhibited notable development behind the scenes.

The 6-foot, 225-pound Trotter Jr. might not have the prototypical size or experience that Burks has, but the rookie does possess more range than his counterpart, another reason for a situational platoon against the Rams.

Trotter Jr. has only played 104 defensive snaps, with his role on game day predominately relegated to special teams, but like most reserves he prepares as if he’s going to start.

Taking a moment to ponder what he’s learned about himself this season, Trotter Jr. leaned into his preparation.

“Just preparing,” he said. I try to always stay ready every single, week. Even though I’m not starting, I gotta make sure I’m ready like I’m gonna start, because when I step in there I wanna make sure I’m on my Ps and Qs for my guys out there.

“I wanna put my best foot forward out there, just for these guys around me and for the team.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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