The Philadelphia Eagles have activated veteran safety Marcus Epps from Injured Reserve, allowing him to participate in the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon, just ahead of the game.
Epps, who is 29 years old, has been sidelined for the past four weeks due to a shoulder injury. However, his practice window was opened earlier in the week, and he was listed as questionable for the game, which prompted the Eagles to move him back onto the 53-man roster. The team had cleared a roster spot on Sunday by waiving receiver Xavier Gipson, eliminating the need for a corresponding move today.
With rookie Drew Mukuba currently on Injured Reserve due to a fractured ankle, Sydney Brown started at safety against the Chicago Bears last week but struggled in that role. Consequently, it is expected that Epps will start alongside Reed Blankenship in the secondary against the Chargers.
“Ever since I got back here, anytime I”m out there with Reed, it”s easier, it”s kind of seamless,” Epps stated this week. “We have that repertoire of playing together in the past. That definitely makes it a lot easier and makes it a smoother transition for me.”
The Eagles originally brought Epps back after he was released by the New England Patriots during final cuts. He was initially signed to the practice squad but was later promoted to the active roster after exhausting his three elevations. Although he has played only 15 defensive snaps this season, Epps brings a wealth of experience, having participated in 90 career NFL games with 45 starts. He was a full-time starter for the Eagles during their Super Bowl run in 2022 before entering free agency.
