Eagles Send Marcus Epps, Azeez Ojulari to IR During Bye Week — Defensive Depth Tested as Trade Deadline Nears

The Philadelphia Eagles have spent the bye week doing more than resting — they’ve been recalibrating.
On Saturday, the team officially announced that veteran safety Marcus Epps and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari have been placed on injured reserve, sidelining both players for at least the next four games.

The moves come at a crucial point in the season, as Philadelphia — sitting atop the NFC East — continues to manage injuries across its defense while exploring potential trades ahead of Tuesday’s NFL deadline.

📋 Epps and Ojulari Hit IR

For Marcus Epps, the return to Philadelphia had been a story of resilience. After re-signing late in the offseason and earning a promotion from the practice squad in the opening weeks, Epps found himself contributing mostly on special teams. He logged 119 special teams snaps and just 15 defensive snaps, serving as a depth option behind the team’s starting safeties.

However, the Eagles placed him on injured reserve Saturday with what the team described as an undisclosed injury. According to team sources, Epps experienced discomfort following recent practices, and medical evaluations determined he would require several weeks of rest.

“Marcus has been a professional from the day he walked back in here,” head coach Nick Sirianni said in a media availability. “He’s done everything we’ve asked — whether it’s defense, special teams, or leadership in the locker room. We’re hoping to get him back later this season.”

As for Azeez Ojulari, the setback is a bit more complicated. The young edge rusher — acquired in the offseason to bolster Philadelphia’s pass rush depth — suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings. He exited early and did not return, and subsequent imaging revealed a strain severe enough to warrant extended recovery.

Ojulari’s injury is the latest blow to a defensive front that’s already had to navigate multiple rotations this year. The team’s depth on the edge, once one of its greatest strengths, is now being stretched thin.

“We’ve been hit hard on the edge,” defensive coordinator Sean Desai admitted. “But this group is resilient. It’s next man up, as always.”

🏈 The Current Edge Situation

With Ojulari out, the Eagles’ edge group now relies on a mix of veterans and young, developing talent. Brandon Graham is expected to play an increased role after limited snaps earlier in the season, while rookie Jihaad Campbell and Patrick Johnson are expected to fill in rotationally.

Meanwhile, Nolan Smith, who has been sidelined for several weeks due to his own injury, could make his return soon — a welcome boost to the team’s depleted front.

As of this week, the team’s active edge defenders include Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson, Joshua Uche, and Jihaad Campbell, who has occasionally bounced outside in certain packages.

The Eagles’ pass rush, ranked among the top five in pressures this season, will be tested to maintain that intensity as they prepare for a grueling second half of the schedule.

🔁 Trade Deadline Looming

The timing of these roster moves has not gone unnoticed. With the NFL trade deadline just days away, league insiders say the Eagles’ front office — led by general manager Howie Roseman — is actively exploring potential additions, particularly along the defensive front.

“Philadelphia’s been making calls,” reported NFL insider Ian Rapoport on Sunday. “They’re looking at multiple edge rushers — veterans who can contribute immediately — to solidify the rotation while Ojulari recovers.”

Names like Chase Young (Commanders) and Brian Burns (Panthers) have been floated in trade rumors league-wide, and although there’s no official word of contact, the Eagles are known for their aggressive, forward-thinking approach when it comes to roster management.

Earlier in the week, the team finalized the Jaire Alexander trade, a headline-grabbing move that signaled Philadelphia’s commitment to improving its secondary. Pairing that decision with these IR placements paints a clear picture: the Eagles are in all-in mode, shoring up weaknesses before another deep playoff run.

📉 Depth Concerns Across the Defense

Beyond the edge and safety positions, the Eagles are also managing injuries elsewhere. Linebacker rotation remains thin, and the secondary has seen frequent reshuffling due to nagging issues among key starters.

Still, the team has weathered the storm admirably so far. At 6–1, the Eagles remain one of the NFC’s top contenders, with quarterback Jalen Hurts leading an offense that continues to produce despite its own share of bumps and bruises.

“This team’s built to handle adversity,” Sirianni emphasized. “We’ve got depth, leadership, and the right mentality. It’s never about who’s missing — it’s about who’s ready to step up.”

That next-man-up philosophy will again be put to the test when the Eagles return from their bye to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9 — a critical divisional showdown that could have lasting playoff implications.

⏱️ Recovery Timelines

Both Epps and Ojulari will be required to miss a minimum of four games under league IR rules, making the earliest possible return window Week 12.

For Epps, recovery appears manageable, with the team cautiously optimistic he could rejoin special teams by early December. Ojulari’s status, however, remains uncertain. Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, especially for edge rushers who rely on explosive bursts and lower-body strength.

The Eagles medical staff is reportedly taking a conservative approach, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains — a sign that the team expects a deep postseason run and wants all hands available by January.

💬 Locker Room Reaction

Inside the locker room, teammates expressed sympathy for their injured peers but also confidence in the unit’s depth and cohesion.

“It’s tough losing guys like Epps and Azeez,” said defensive end Josh Sweat. “But this group has each other’s backs. We know what we’re capable of, and we trust the next man to do his job.”

Veteran linebacker Haason Reddick echoed that sentiment, noting the leadership presence of players like Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox.

“We’ve got vets who’ve seen everything,” Reddick said. “No panic here. We’re focused, and we’ll keep playing our brand of football.”

🦅 Looking Ahead

As the Eagles prepare to return from the bye, all eyes will be on how Roseman and the front office respond to these setbacks. Whether through internal development or external acquisitions, the team’s ability to adapt could define the second half of their season.

One thing is clear: Philadelphia is determined to maintain its defensive dominance. With one of the deepest rosters in the league — even amid injuries — the Eagles have proven they can overcome adversity.

But with the postseason picture beginning to take shape, and key players sidelined, every move in the coming days could have lasting consequences.

For now, the message from the locker room remains steady:
“Next man up. Same standard.”

The Eagles’ next chapter begins after the bye — and their resilience will once again be on full display.