Yikes. Just, big yikes.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport, along with Mike Garafolo, reports that Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba has a fractured ankle that will require surgery. There is no timetable for his return, but a determination will be made about what to do with Mukuba after his surgery.
The injury occurred at the end of the Eagles-Dallas Cowboys game, when George Pickens made a long completion, and Mukuba chased him down to make the tackle. Mukuba was slow coming off the field, and after the 24-21 loss, Mukuba was seen in a walking boot and crutches.
In 11 games this season, Mukuba has racked up 46 tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, and a half sack for the Eagles. He started every game at safety.
Eagles now have a big problem at safety
Remember, the Eagles only have three safeties on the roster. Along with Mukuba, Reed Blankenship also suffered a thigh injury and was knocked out of the Cowboys' game. There's no word on the severity of his injury.
Where does that leave the Eagles? Well, Sydney Brown just got elevated into the starting lineup. Another option will be slot corner Michael Carter II moving to safety, a role that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman had in mind for him already.
Mukuba has had inconsistencies in tackling and coverage, but has been improving overall and could be a long-term starter for the Eagles. He was able to beat out Brown and Tristin McCollum, who's no longer on the team, for the starting job.
More pressure is on Brown to step up and be the guy in the secondary. His poor blocking on the punt return in the Cowboys game led to a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He had trouble in coverage against the Dallas receivers.
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The hope is that Blankenship can return quickly and that his injury isn't serious, but if he can't, the Eagles are in a whole lot of trouble in the secondary.