Jeremiah Trotter Jr. helped set the tone with a big special teams play in his NFL team's playoff game last Sunday - and the former Clemson star might have a bigger role on the defensive side of the ball this weekend.

Trotter, a rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles, could see more playing time at linebacker in Philadelphia's NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Eagles starting linebacker Nakobe Dean was placed on injured reserve and is out for the rest of the playoffs with a knee injury suffered in Philadelphia's Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers.

So, Trotter may be called upon to step up in the absence of Dean, as Trotter could be in line for some increased snaps against the Rams.

"We're not afraid to put him in there," Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said of Trotter.

In his first season with the Eagles after being selected in the fifth round (No. 155 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, Trotter has primarily seen action on special teams and has played sparingly on defense, tallying 25 total tackles, a half sack, one quarterback hit and a pass defended in limited defensive snaps.

But despite his lack of NFL experience, Fangio expressed confidence in Trotter and sees a bright future ahead for the promising Clemson product.

"Yeah, I think Trot's got a good future, and that future may be now," Fangio said. "He's got good instincts, really likes the game. He's smart. He's got a lot of good qualities."

Trotter made a big impact on special teams in the Eagles' 22-10 win over the Packers last Sunday in the Wild Card round. On the opening kickoff, Trotter recovered a fumble by Packers All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon, and the recovery set up Philadelphia's first touchdown of the game.

Trotter and the Eagles (14-3) are set to kick off their Divisional Round game vs. the Rams (10-7) at 3 p.m. Sunday in Philadelphia (NBC/Peacock).

-Photo courtesy Eric Hartline-Imagn Images