The Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary took a devastating blow in Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and the news just keeps getting worse.
Rookie safety Andrew Mukuba, one of the breakout stars of Philly’s 2025 defense, suffered a fractured ankle late in the game. On Wednesday, the Eagles made it official: Mukuba has been placed on Injured Reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the injury will require surgery that has placed the 22-year-old’s entire season in serious jeopardy.
“Eagles rookie safety Andrew Mukuba suffered an ankle fracture that will require surgery, per sources,” Fowler posted on X. “Mukuba — who has stood out in Philly’s secondary — is working through next steps, but his season is in jeopardy.”
The earliest possible return date would be December 28 against the Buffalo Bills, but with surgery looming, few around the building are counting on seeing the explosive rookie again in 2025.
Making matters worse, the Eagles lost both starting safeties in the same game. Reed Blankenship also went down against Dallas, though head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed Monday that Blankenship is expected to play on Black Friday against the Chicago Bears. That leaves Sydney Brown as the likely starter opposite Blankenship, with virtually no proven depth behind them.
To fill Mukuba’s roster spot, Philadelphia signed wide receiver and punt returner Britain Covey from the practice squad — a move that does nothing to address the sudden hole in the secondary.
Which brings us to the glaring name still sitting on the free-agent market: former All-Pro safety Justin Simmons.
Simmons, a four-time second-team All-Pro and one of the best ball-hawking safeties of the past decade, made it clear last offseason that Philadelphia was near the top of his wish list. Eight weeks into the season, he remains unsigned, working out and waiting for the right contender to call.
With a rookie sensation likely lost for the year and razor-thin depth at a premium position, the Eagles are running out of excuses not to pick up the phone.
The secondary that looked like a strength heading into the season now looks dangerously vulnerable at the worst possible time. Howie Roseman has never been afraid to swing big when his roster needs help.
The question isn’t whether Justin Simmons can still play at an elite level; it’s whether the Eagles are willing to let a Super Bowl window narrow because they didn’t want to add a proven Pro Bowler in November.
Philly’s season is far from over. But after this week, it just got a whole lot harder.