Marcus Epps Nearing Return as Eagles Look to Stabilize Safety Spot in Crucial Stretch
The Philadelphia Eagles are heading into the most critical part of their season with a big question mark at safety - and they might finally have an answer on the way. After a tough outing from Sydney Brown in Week 13, the team has officially opened the 21-day practice window for veteran safety Marcus Epps, signaling a potential shift in the secondary just in time for a pivotal matchup against the Chargers.
Let’s start with Brown. The third-year safety got the start against the Bears in place of injured rookie Andrew Mukuba, and it was a rough night.
Brown has mostly been a special teams contributor this year, and that inexperience showed. He struggled in coverage and missed a key open-field tackle on Chicago running back D’Andre Swift - the kind of whiff that sticks out on film and in the minds of coaches.
The Eagles are clearly hoping for more stability on the back end, and that’s where Epps comes in.
Epps, 29, landed on injured reserve after Week 8’s win over the Giants, but he’s now eligible to return. While he’s primarily played special teams this season, he brings starting experience - not just from his time in Philly, but also with the Raiders. And before his injury, he was reportedly ahead of Brown on the depth chart, which could make this a relatively easy decision for the coaching staff if he’s healthy.
Now, Epps isn’t a perfect player. In 2022, when he was a full-time starter for the Eagles, he gave up a 139.1 passer rating in coverage and allowed six receiving touchdowns.
He also missed 10 tackles. That’s not the kind of stat line that screams lockdown safety.
But he also piled up 94 total tackles and, more importantly, didn’t often look lost on the field - something that can't be said for the Eagles’ current rotation at times.
The reality is, Epps gives the Eagles a more seasoned, steady presence in a secondary that’s been searching for answers. And with the playoff picture tightening, that kind of reliability might be worth more than upside right now.
If Epps is activated in time for Week 14, he could be thrown right into the fire against Justin Herbert and a Chargers offense loaded with talent. Between their trio of explosive wideouts and a rookie tight end who’s already making noise, the Eagles’ secondary will have its hands full. That’s why the front four will need to do their part - if the defensive line can get pressure on Herbert, it’ll take a lot of heat off whoever is lining up at safety.
Of course, if Epps struggles in his return, the Eagles may have to pivot again - whether that means giving Brown another shot or experimenting with Michael Carter II at safety. But for now, Epps offers something the Eagles desperately need at this point in the season: a veteran option who knows the system and can hold his own.
With just a few weeks left before the postseason, every defensive snap matters. And if Epps can bring even a fraction of the consistency he showed in his previous stint as a starter, it could go a long way in shoring up a shaky back end - and keeping the Eagles on track for a deep playoff run.