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Eagles rookie safety Drew Mukuba needs leg surgery, season might be over

Mukuba had been one of the top rookies for an Eagles defense that has been an overall strength in 2025.

Drew Mukuba, who exited Sunday's loss to Dallas with a leg injury, has performed well as a rookie.
Drew Mukuba, who exited Sunday's loss to Dallas with a leg injury, has performed well as a rookie. Read moreDavid Maialetti / Staff Photographer

Eagles rookie safety Drew Mukuba suffered a right leg fracture in the waning moments of Sunday’s loss to Dallas and will require surgery, sources confirmed to The Inquirer.

ESPN and the NFL Network were first to report the news. Mukuba is likely headed to injured reserve.

“He’ll miss a little bit of time here,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said Monday. “But we’ll see how long.”

The second-round pick was injured after tackling George Pickens after the Cowboys receiver’s 24-yard reception with 35 seconds to play. He was helped into the locker room without being able to put pressure on his right foot, and was later seen in a walking boot and using crutches.

The Eagles lost both of their starting safeties to injury before the game ended. Earlier in the game, Reed Blankenship suffered a thigh injury and did not return.

Sydney Brown filled in for Blankenship and played 26 snaps. It’s unclear if Blankenship will miss Friday’s home game vs. Chicago.

The Eagles are thin at safety and have only those three on the active roster. Andre’ Sam is on the practice squad, and Marcus Epps is on injured reserve and unavailable to play Friday. Cooper DeJean and Michael Carter II would be potential options if the Eagles need a fill-in for Blankenship.

“This is why you need your entire roster,” Sirianni said. “It’s never just the 53 guys, it’s the 70 guys. You never know when those guys’ opportunity will come, and here we are.”

The Eagles also could be without Adoree’ Jackson on Friday. The outside cornerback suffered a concussion only a few weeks after clearing protocol from a concussion he suffered in Week 7.

The Eagles moved DeJean outside in the nickel package and had Carter playing in the slot after Jackson left. DeJean did not hold up well against a high-powered passing attack.

The Eagles return to the practice field Tuesday, and more clarity will come then on who may be available for Friday. One thing is certain, though, the Eagles need a replacement for Mukuba for an extended stretch. Brown, for now, is the next man up.