While the news may not seem significant at the moment, Bleacher Report has released some encouraging updates regarding the play of rookie Andrew Mukuba. Brent Sobleski ranked Mukuba the fifth-best rookie after week 2 of preseason games.
"The Eagles wanted a cover safety when they chose the Texas product with this year's 64th overall pick. He has excellent range and a nose for the football, as seen this past weekend.
More importantly for any young defensive back, Mukuba showed some resiliency. He was beaten on a pass three plays before snagging a pick-six.
A fumble recovery after a botched handoff simply served as the icing on the cake for a memorable preseason effort.
Mukuba has the skill set to be a starting safety in the NFL. If his first preseason performance is any indication, the Eagles will have a playmaker along the back end for a long time."
Mukuba's latest update could slow up the momentum he's picking up with Eagles
With Mukuba's play before injury, the rookie had an outside chance of playing alongside Reed Blankenship, especially when Cooper DeJean went to nickel. Mukuba was dealing with a shoulder injury, causing him to miss Week 1 of the preseason, but the Texas alum put together a two-turnover performance in Week 2, raising his stock this past weekend.
Eagles head coach Sirianni had high praise for his second-round pick during media availability. "He has the ability to take the ball away as a playmaker," Sirianni told reporters. Mukuba impressed coaches with his pick-six, especially after getting beaten by a Browns receiver several plays earlier.
“he has a knack for the football”
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) August 17, 2025
— Eagles HC Nick Sirianni on 2nd round pick Andrew Mukuba after his Pick 6 + fumble recovery vs Browns
“he has the ability to take the ball away as a playmaker.“
Sirianni not ready to name starters in secondary thoughhttps://t.co/m8ozvTyDf4 pic.twitter.com/INTiFmqmiJ
Sirianni also mentioned Mukuba's ability to bounce back. "We want that for all of our guys: to be able to play the next play," Sirianni said. "To be able to go out there after an interception and play again—or after a big play, right? That's part of mental toughness of being able to be in the moment and fix the mistakes later."
Unfortunately, Mukuba's future may be in jeopardy after earning the highest-rated rookie grade during the preseason's second week. Mukuba left practice on Tuesday early with what looks to be a hamstring injury. Mukuba went into the blue tent, returned during a tackling drill, and then pulled himself out of the drill.
Read more: Former first-round pick headlines Eagles' projected practice squad
Mukuba's status is currently unknown for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, but with so much potential, the rookie missing any sort of time is a massive blow to Vic Fangio's defense. Mukuba's output this preseason makes him a key piece for the Eagles' defense in 2025 and beyond.