The Philadelphia Eagles have placed safety Marcus Epps and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari on Injured Reserve, the team announced Saturday. Both players will be sidelined for at least four games.
Epps, who returned to the Eagles after being released by the New England Patriots following training camp, began the season on the practice squad. He was elevated for the first three games before being signed to the active roster on September 24. In eight appearances this season, Epps recorded four tackles over 15 defensive snaps and added two special teams tackles in 105 special teams snaps. His most significant defensive action came during a Week 8 win against the Giants.
With Epps unavailable, the Eagles’ active safeties include Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, and Andrew Mukuba. Andre Sam remains on the practice squad. The recently acquired Michael Carter II also offers flexibility between cornerback and safety roles if needed.
Ojulari suffered a hamstring injury during Week 7’s victory in Minnesota. Signed as a free agent this year, he played in three games (starting twice) and made six tackles across 67 defensive snaps. After missing the first four games of the season, Ojulari contributed three tackles in 34 snaps against Denver before starting against his former team, the Giants, and again in Minnesota.
To bolster their edge rusher group, veteran Brandon Graham is expected to make his season debut next Monday night in Green Bay. Nolan Smith is also eligible to return to practice after recovering from a triceps injury that led to his own stint on Injured Reserve. Other options at edge rusher include Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson, Joshua Uche, and rookie Jihaad Campbell, who has played both off-ball and off-the-edge linebacker roles.
The moves come as Tuesday’s trade deadline approaches and during Philadelphia’s bye week.
