The Philadelphia Eagles made a series of roster moves this week that give us a clearer picture of how they’re managing depth down the stretch. With the playoff race heating up and injuries taking their toll, every roster decision carries weight. Let’s break it down, starting with the most significant development in the secondary.
Marcus Epps Returns to Practice
The Eagles opened the 21-day practice window for safety Marcus Epps, who’s been on injured reserve since November 1 with an undisclosed injury. That move signals optimism that Epps could be back on the field soon-potentially as early as the Eagles’ Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team has until 4:00 p.m. ET on Monday, December 8 to activate him if they want him to suit up that night.
If Epps is physically ready, expect him to slide right back into the starting lineup. He was ahead of rookie Sydney Brown on the depth chart before the injury, and with Brown struggling in the Week 13 loss to the Bears, the timing couldn’t be better. Epps brings experience and stability to a safety group that’s been tested lately.
Reed Blankenship remains a fixture in the back end, and Brown still has upside, but the loss of Andrew Mukuba-who landed on IR last week with a fractured ankle-left the Eagles thin at the position. They elevated Andre’ Sam from the practice squad last week to help cover the gap, and he still has two standard elevations left if needed. But getting Epps back would go a long way toward solidifying the group.
Terrace Marshall Joins the Practice Squad
With Britain Covey promoted to the active roster last week, the Eagles had a practice squad spot open-and they used it to bring in wide receiver Terrace Marshall. Marshall adds some veteran experience to the receiver room, which could come in handy if injuries pop up or if the team wants to rotate fresh legs into the mix late in the season.
There’s still one open spot on the practice squad, so don’t be surprised if another move is on the horizon.
Parry Nickerson Released (Again)
Cornerback Parry Nickerson is off the practice squad after a second stint with the team. He’d previously been on the active roster for five games earlier this season, contributing in dime packages as the sixth defensive back. After the Eagles acquired Michael Carter II, Nickerson was cut but later re-signed to the practice squad.
Now he’s out again-but as we’ve seen with Howie Roseman’s roster management, that doesn’t necessarily mean the door is closed. The Eagles have shuffled players in and out of the practice squad all season, and Nickerson’s familiarity with the system could keep him on speed dial if depth becomes an issue again.
Practice Squad Snapshot
Here’s where the practice squad currently stands, along with standard elevation status for players who’ve been called up:
- EDGE Patrick Johnson - No elevations remaining
- S Andre’ Sam - Two elevations remaining
- DT Gabe Hall - Two elevations remaining
- **TE E.J.
Jenkins** - Two elevations remaining
- LB Chance Campbell
- CB Tariq Castro-Fields
- DT Ta’Quon Graham
- WR Danny Gray
- DB Brandon Johnson
- C/G Jake Majors
- WR Terrace Marshall
- QB Kyle McCord
- OL Hollin Pierce
- CB Ambry Thomas
- WR Quez Watkins
Practice Squad Injured Reserve
- OT Luke Felix-Fualalo - International exemption
The Eagles have leaned on their practice squad depth throughout the season, and that trend isn’t likely to change as they head into the final stretch. Whether it’s elevating a safety like Andre’ Sam or keeping a veteran receiver like Marshall ready, these moves reflect a front office that’s staying proactive as the postseason chase intensifies.
With Marcus Epps potentially returning and the practice squad continuing to evolve, the Eagles are positioning themselves to weather the attrition that comes with December football.