The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for a critical Week 15 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, and while the headlines might focus on the starters, there’s a quieter storyline worth tracking - the continued rise of safety Andre Sam.
For the third consecutive week, the Eagles have elevated Sam from the practice squad to the active roster. It’s a move that, on the surface, might fly under the radar. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear this isn’t just a routine transaction - it’s a reflection of how much trust the coaching staff is beginning to place in the second-year safety.
Sam has logged 19 special teams snaps over the last two games and recorded a tackle along the way. That might not jump off the stat sheet, but in a league where special teams often decide field position - and sometimes games - those reps matter. And for a player like Sam, who entered the league undrafted, every snap is a chance to prove he belongs.
The opportunity opened up when rookie safety Andrew Mukuba was placed on injured reserve. With Mukuba sidelined, the Eagles have had to shuffle their depth chart at the back end of the defense.
Sydney Brown got the nod in Week 13 against the Bears, and Marcus Epps stepped in during Week 14 versus the Chargers. Both games ended in losses, but the rotation shows just how much the Eagles are leaning on depth as they navigate injuries in the secondary.
Enter Sam - not yet a fixture on defense, but carving out a role on special teams and earning more than just a look. Special teams coordinator Michael Clay has called on him, and Sam has responded with the kind of consistency and effort that coaches love. He’s not just filling a spot - he’s making the most of it.
Each call-up is more than a roster move; it’s a vote of confidence. The Eagles are telling us that Sam is someone they can count on. He may not be logging snaps like Epps or Reed Blankenship just yet, but he's starting to make his mark in other ways - and that matters.
This season has been a test of depth for Philadelphia, and the “next man up” mantra has been more than just a slogan - it’s been a necessity. Epps, for instance, stepped up with a strong showing against the Chargers, even in defeat. Now, Sam is following that same path, proving he can be ready when called upon.
Don’t be surprised if his role continues to grow. The Eagles are in the thick of a playoff push, and contributions from players like Sam - the ones grinding on special teams, staying ready, and doing the little things right - can be the difference between a team that survives December and one that thrives in it.
Sam’s story isn’t flashy, but it’s one that resonates. Undrafted, overlooked, and now slowly but surely earning his place on one of the NFL’s most competitive rosters.
Keep an eye on No. 36 - he’s doing more than just filling a jersey. He’s making a case to stick around.