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.

Landon Dickerson's Week 1 status versus Dallas remains in doubt after Sept. 1 practice absence, despite a mid-August meniscus surgery and a rapid return to drills two weeks later. If he’s limited or out, Brett Toth could slide into a guard spot beside Jordan Mailata, signaling a potential interior-line shuffle heading into the opener.

Drew Mukuba’s hamstring history and shoulder issues loom, while Sydney Brown battles for the starting safety role. Vic Fangio says Mukuba looks healthy this week, but the depth chart remains unsettled. Tanner McKee’s broken thumb keeps him from throwing, anchoring Sam Howell as Hurts’ likely backup for the Dallas game.

Illinois produced 21 former Illini on 2025 NFL rosters (plus four on practice squads), underscoring a strong Illini-to-NFL pipeline. Chase Brown projects as Cincinnati’s backfield lead, Sydney Brown anchors Philadelphia’s secondary, and Isaiah Adams solidifies Arizona’s interior line. Additional Illini veterans across the league provide depth and potential late-season fantasy value, making Illinois alumni worth monitoring beyond Week 1.

This cohort includes multiple offensive linemen and defensive players who could see increased roles as teams evaluate depth and injuries. Fantasy managers should track snap counts and Week 1 availability for these players, as roster moves and coaching changes can unlock surprising value from this Illinois pipeline in 2025.