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Eagles Notebook: Marcus Epps Nearing Return, Darius Slay Hits Waivers, and Jalen Hurts Owns Up to Missed Connection
There’s a lot happening around the Eagles right now-some of it flying under the radar, but worth a closer look. From a potential reinforcement at safety to a familiar face hitting waivers, and a revealing moment of leadership from the quarterback, here’s what you need to know.
Marcus Epps Could Be Back Soon-and Just in Time
The Eagles have officially opened the 21-day practice window for safety Marcus Epps, signaling his potential return from injured reserve. And while some fans might be surprised to see Epps back in midnight green, the timeline checks out.
After being released by the Patriots following final roster cuts, Epps signed with the Eagles’ practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for each of the first three games of the season and was added to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 4. Before landing on IR with an undisclosed injury, Epps appeared in eight games this year.
Of course, Epps is no stranger to Philadelphia. He played for the Eagles from 2019 to 2022 and was a starter on the team that reached the Super Bowl in the 2022 season.
After leaving in free agency, he spent 2023 with the Raiders, starting all 17 games. Unfortunately, his 2024 campaign was cut short after a torn ACL in Week 3 with Las Vegas.
He later signed with New England in March before finding his way back to Philly.
Now, with rookie Andrew Mukuba on injured reserve, the Eagles are thin at safety. Sydney Brown got the start in Week 13 against the Bears, but his role has fluctuated this season.
After seeing regular snaps early on, his usage dipped after Week 3. Notably, in Week 6 against the Giants, when Reed Blankenship exited with an injury, it was Epps-not Brown-who stepped in.
If Epps is healthy enough to go by Monday night, he could find himself back in a starting role against the Chargers. Given the current depth chart, that’s a real possibility.
Darius Slay Waived by Steelers After Short Stint
In a notable roster move, the Steelers waived veteran cornerback Darius Slay on Tuesday evening, clearing space for the promotion of Asante Samuel Jr. and the addition of wide receiver Adam Thielen off waivers.
Slay, who spent five seasons with the Eagles-including three Pro Bowl appearances-signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Pittsburgh this offseason after being released by Philadelphia in a cap-saving move. The bulk of that contract came via an $8.75 million signing bonus, meaning any team that claims him now would only be responsible for the remainder of his $1.25 million base salary. In short: he’s a low-cost option for anyone looking to add a veteran corner.
During his time in Philly, Slay totaled nine interceptions in the regular season, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He also had two fumble returns for scores. He was a key contributor during the Eagles’ 2024 playoff run, recording 14 tackles, five pass breakups (which led the league during the postseason), and a clutch interception in the Wild Card Round against the Packers.
While his 2025 performance in Pittsburgh didn’t live up to that standard-evidenced by the Steelers moving on while still in the thick of the AFC North race-Slay still brings experience and familiarity with Vic Fangio’s system. The Eagles, who recently attempted to bolster their cornerback room with a trade for Jaire Alexander (who retired shortly after), could be a logical landing spot if they choose to submit a waiver claim.
Jalen Hurts Takes Accountability for Missed Connection with DeVonta Smith
One of the more revealing moments from the Eagles’ Week 13 loss to the Bears came not on the field, but in the latest episode of Hard Knocks. Cameras caught Jalen Hurts addressing a missed opportunity on a third-down play that could have changed the tone of the game.
Hurts overthrew DeVonta Smith on what should have been a routine connection between two players who have shared the field for years. The miscommunication stood out-not just because of the timing, but because it came from a tandem known for their chemistry.
After the game, Hurts didn’t dodge the moment. “It was two guys on two different pages, and that’s a bit of the issues that we’ve been having,” he said. “We weren’t detailed enough on that, I wasn’t detailed enough in instructing him what to do as we prepared and making myself clear on that.”
He went on to emphasize the importance of execution and clarity, noting that the entire unit needs to be more precise-and that starts with him.
Hurts also took ownership of a fumble on the Eagles’ signature Tush Push play, continuing a theme of accountability even as his own performance has dipped in recent weeks. While the offense has struggled to find rhythm, Hard Knocks gave fans a look at Hurts’ leadership behind the scenes.
He didn’t point fingers. He focused on solutions.
Final Thoughts
With Marcus Epps nearing a return, the Eagles could get a much-needed boost at safety. Darius Slay’s availability adds intrigue to a cornerback room that’s already seen its share of turnover. And while the offense continues to search for consistency, Jalen Hurts is owning the mistakes-and that matters in a locker room trying to steady itself for the stretch run.
The details may not make headlines on their own, but together, they paint a picture of a team still evolving-and still very much in the fight.