Patrick Johnson and Marcus Epps were elevated by Philadelphia for the home opener vs Dallas, adding edge rush help and safety depth as the Eagles shuffle a veteran-heavy group for a prime-time clash. With Tanner McKee sidelined, Kyle McCord wasn’t activated, leaving Hurts to lead and Sam Howell as backup in a game plan that leans on the run game and special teams.

Britain Covey could handle punt returns while DeJean or Dotson take returns, and the trio of Blankenship, Sydney Brown and Drew Mukuba anchors the safety corps. Fantasy angles tilt toward Hurts as the clear centerpiece; Johnson and Epps provide depth more than direct Week 1 value.

Marcus Epps returns to Philadelphia two weeks before Week 1 against Dallas, joining Vic Fangio’s defense and a high-expectation safety room. Coach Nick Sirianni’s optimism centers on his intelligence and quick learning, with Christian Parker and Joe Kasper driving the install. Reed Blankenship’s captaincy adds continuity as Epps acclimates.

Blankenship credits Epps with shaping his 2022 rookie year, and the veteran’s leadership could speed up the transition. Epps’ prior ACL setback in 2024 and a Patriots stopover are part of a winding path, but the plan is to integrate rapidly and push for Week 1 contributions in a pivotal divisional clash.

For fantasy and IDP fans, the immediate impact hinges on the Eagles’ usage of Epps in Fangio’s scheme and how quickly he communicates with Blankenship. If the speed is there, Epps could carve a notable role as a versatile back-end defender with a real Week 1 ceiling.

Reed Blankenship's rise from UDFA to starter is echoed by Marcus Epps' return to the Eagles' practice squad, a move Blankenship publicly praised as mentoring him into the scheme and leadership role that helped Philadelphia late in 2022. The organization frames the reunion as culture-first—leadership, learning, and selflessness—more than a Week 1 roster shakeup. For fantasy players, the depth and the continued development of the safety group matter most, with Blankenship poised for long-term upside and Epps providing locker-room continuity rather than immediate snaps.

Nick Sirianni emphasized that the dynamic reflects a selfless, relationship-driven locker room. Epps' presence should bolster communication and prep within the room, even if his actual on-field role remains light early on. The move reinforces a growing safety corps, suggesting stability and growth for Philadelphia's defense as the season approaches.

The Eagles reshaped their practice squad again, adding Audric Estime and Ambry Thomas while releasing Eli Ricks and Terrace Marshall. Willie Lampkin moved to injured reserve to open a 53-man spot. Estime, a 2024 fifth-rounder from Notre Dame, brings big-back depth with rookie-season production to spare. Thomas adds veteran CB depth after a versatile career. Philadelphia also eyes Javon Baker for the PS, while discussions hinge on promoting Andre’ Sam or Marcus Epps at safety as the position gets lean. Castro-Fields’ injury settlement closes a chapter on a prior depth piece.

Quicks moves like these signal the Eagles’ ongoing, opportunistic roster churn aimed at staying flexible into September. The defense and special-teams cores gain depth, while the offense keeps options open behind a primary lineup. Expect the PS to fuel a few 53-man shuffles, with a likely elevation if Baker passes, and safeties Sam or Epps stepping in if rookie Drew Mukuba remains limited by hamstring issues.

Marcus Epps returns to Philadelphia on a one-year deal, reuniting with Vic Fangio and anchoring a safety group that lost Gardner-Johnson this offseason. His familiarity with the defense provides immediate reliability while the rookie Andrew Mukuba heals into a potential early contributor. The move comes after a Patriots stint and CJ Gardner-Johnson’s exit to Houston, signaling Philly’s emphasis on veteran steadiness and floor-raising depth for a championship-caliber secondary.

With Mukuba as the upside play and Epps providing steadiness, the Eagles’ back end gains both a safe floor and unseen ceiling. The mix should steady pass coverage and run support as the youngster develops, keeping Philly’s defense versatile and resilient against a heavy passing schedule.