Marcus Epps Returns to Eagles as Defense Faces Challenge Against Chargers
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a precarious situation as their defense struggles without the dynamic influence of rookie Drew Mukuba, who is sidelined with a fractured ankle. With the Eagles on a two-game losing streak and facing the formidable 8-4 Los Angeles Chargers, the potential return of veteran safety Marcus Epps may serve as a crucial turning point.
Epps, who previously played a vital role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LVII run, is poised to step back into a starting position alongside his former mentee, Reed Blankenship. “Just doing everything I need to do to make sure I get my body right, back to where it needs to be,” Epps stated after practice on Saturday. “Just getting healthy and making sure I can come back and help the team in any way that they need me to.”
The Journey Back to Philadelphia
After a successful stint with the Eagles, where he started 20 consecutive games for the Super Bowl contenders, Epps signed a lucrative deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his 2024 season was cut short by a torn ACL. Following a period of rehabilitation and evaluation with the New England Patriots, the Eagles welcomed Epps back into the fold, initially placing him on the practice squad before promoting him to the 53-man roster on September 24.
Epps’ return hasn’t been without its challenges. A shoulder injury prevented him from seeing action in the last four games, leaving him in a race against time to be activated off injured reserve ahead of the Chargers game. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio hinted at Epps’ potential return, emphasizing the importance of his performance in practice. “He’s an experienced safety,” Fangio noted. “He’s got good instincts, got good feel for the game. We’ll have to get a feel and a barometer about where he is at missing the last four or five weeks.”
A New Perspective on the Game
With Epps back in the mix, the Eagles are hoping to stabilize a defense that has shown vulnerability. Last week, third-year player Sydney Brown struggled in the starting role against the Chicago Bears, suggesting that Epps would have been the preferred choice had he been healthy. Epps recognizes the significance of his return and aims to focus on contributing to the team rather than fixating on his personal aspirations. “For me, I’m looking at it through a different lens,” he explained. “I’m staying ready but I’m not really looking at it from a perspective of me and my career.”
Epps’ experience and communication skills are paramount as he steps back into a leadership role. He describes his responsibility as a “traffic cop,” ensuring that all players are aligned and aware of their roles within the defensive scheme. “You have to kind of just know the pieces of the whole defense,” he elaborated. “You have to be able to know what you’re doing and have that confidence in yourself and in the defense to be able to speak up and get guys on the same page.”
Reuniting with Reed Blankenship
Epps’ rapport with Blankenship, who began his career as an undrafted free agent under Epps’ mentorship, will be vital as they navigate this critical matchup. “Ever since I got back here, anytime I’m out there with Reed, it’s easier, it’s kind of seamless,” Epps said of their connection on the field. “That definitely makes it a lot easier and makes it a smoother transition for me.”
From 2019 to 2022, Epps started 28 games for the Eagles, contributing significantly to a defense that ranked second in the NFL during their Super Bowl run. While this season has seen him restricted to just 15 defensive snaps over eight games, his extensive experience includes 90 career games and 45 starts. As the Eagles prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Chargers, the team is banking on Epps’ presence to help right the ship and restore confidence in their defense.
