Eagles Open 21‑Day Practice Window for Safety Marcus Epps

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles opened the 21‑day practice window for safety Marcus Epps, who has been on Injured Reserve since November 1. The move signals that the veteran could be ready to return as early as Monday night in Los Angeles against the Chargers, after missing the last four games on IR.\n\n## Why Epps Matters\n\nEpps is a key piece for a secondary that has lost its rookie safety, Drew Mukuba, to a fractured ankle that required surgery late in the season against the Cowboys. Mukuba is now on IR and the team faces uncertainty about whether his rookie campaign will end. Adding Epps to the active roster could provide much-needed depth and experience.\n\n## Depth Chart Dynamics\n\nThe Eagles began the season with veteran Sydney Brown lined up next to Reed Blankenship against the Bears, but Brown’s performance was shaky. Earlier this year, it appeared that Epps had moved ahead of Brown on the depth chart, earning snaps in the middle of the season. In 2025, Epps has recorded only 15 defensive snaps and 119 on special teams.\n\n## Epps’ Journey with the Eagles\n\nEpps first joined the Eagles in 2019 and played 54 games with 25 starts through 2022, including a full‑time role on the Super Bowl‑winning 2022 squad. After the 2022 season, he signed a two‑year contract with the Raiders. He started every game in 2023 but tore his ACL in the third game of the 2024 season.\n\n## Practice Squad History\n\nPhiladelphia originally signed Epps to the practice squad on August 28 after he was released by the Patriots. The Eagles elevated him from the practice squad a maximum of three times before signing him to the active roster on September 24.\n\n## Additional Roster Moves\n\nAlongside activating Epps’ practice window, the Eagles released veteran defensive back Parry Nickerson from the practice squad on Tuesday. The release frees up space for the team to focus on the immediate needs of the secondary.\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- Epps’ 21‑day practice window opens a chance to return before Monday’s Chargers game.\n- The move addresses depth concerns after Drew Mukuba’s injury and surgery.\n- The Eagles also released veteran DB Parry Nickerson to accommodate roster changes.\n\nThe decision underscores the Eagles’ intent to solidify their defensive backfield heading into the critical stretch of the season.