The Philadelphia Eagles are facing several challenges in their secondary due to injuries ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defensive back Cooper DeJean addressed how the team is preparing for these circumstances.
“Next men in mentality, that’s what it is,” DeJean said. “Every guy in this locker room prepares each week like they’re playing and that’s the mentality in our room. You never know when your number is going to get called. We need some guys to step up and they will be ready to do so.”
DeJean also noted that the Eagles cross-train players at multiple positions to ensure flexibility during games. “A few of us do a lot of training at different positions, which helps,” he explained. “As a nickel (player), I need to know multiple positions and that’s the way it is with some of us. Some guys stick to one position. Whatever it takes, really.
“We know Tampa Bay has a lot of really good receivers and even without their No. 1 guy, Mike Evans, they’ve got players. Their rookie (Emeka Egbuka) is off to a good start and they have other receivers, so it’s going to be a test. Baker Mayfield is someone who is playing well and is going to keep plays alive, spread the ball around. We have to be ready for every single snap. He can scramble around and make plays with his feet and he does well in the dropback pass game. It’s a great test for us and we’re going to be ready for that.”
On Wednesday, outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari discussed his readiness after being inactive for the first three games but now potentially having an opportunity following Nolan Smith’s placement on Injured Reserve.
“Whatever the opportunity is, I’ll take it,” Ojulari said on Wednesday.
Ojulari acknowledged that not playing has been difficult but remains focused on contributing where needed: “You’re coming to work every day, trying to get better,” he said. “Just working, just keeping the body right. Treatment, whatever it is to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
“To be out there one day, that’s the goal.”
Ojulari could see action against Tampa Bay’s quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has led late-game drives throughout this season and has added 116 rushing yards so far.
“We gotta have a group rush. That’s something we speak about because he’s a guy who can get out of the pocket and run,” Ojulari said regarding Mayfield’s mobility. “He’s a great mobile quarterback and he’s trying to make that play. I feel like we have to rush together when you’re going against him.”
Newly acquired wide receiver Xavier Gipson reflected on his career progression since joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Jets in 2023.
“That game, I didn’t have that many big returns,” Gipson said about his debut performance featuring a 65-yard punt return touchdown in overtime on “Monday Night Football.” “Just that one play. Yeah that’s an amazing play, but like the game now is slowed all the way down. I can see the whole field now. And I think that’s scary.
“I can see where I’m going to be or where people are going to be before they even (get) there. I can see when they’re going to cut across my face or try to come in my blind side.”
Gipson joined Philadelphia after being waived by both the Jets and Giants earlier this season; he believes changes in kickoff rules could lead to more explosive plays: “I think it’s cool. I think there’s a lot of explosive plays out there,” he said.
The Buccaneers are expected to play without star wide receiver Mike Evans due to a hamstring injury sustained earlier this season; last year against Philadelphia Evans recorded eight catches for 94 yards and a touchdown before suffering this setback.
With Evans sidelined, Tampa Bay’s receiving corps includes Emeka Egbuka—who has had an impressive start with 181 yards and three touchdowns—Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, and possibly veteran Chris Godwin if he recovers from an ankle injury in time for Sunday’s matchup.
