The Philadelphia Eagles will be getting a defensive boost for their contest against the Chicago Bears, with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio announcing that Reed Blankenship will be expected to play on Friday. Blankenship exited Sunday’s 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with a thigh injury during the fourth quarter, but will make a quick return to the field.
Blankenship Has Been An Anchor For Philadelphia’s Defense
Reed Blankenship has proven his value to the Eagles’ defense over the last few seasons, both on and beyond the stat sheet. In 2024, he logged 78 total tackles (52 solo), broke up six passes and recorded a career-high four interceptions across 15 starts — a clear sign of his improved ball skills and growing instinct for turnovers.
In the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, Blankenship added 27 tackles and forced a fumble in four postseason games. This season, he has remained a fixture in the secondary, recording 32 solo and 18 assisted tackles, with a forced and recovered fumble and an interception through eleven games.
Beyond the raw numbers, Blankenship’s impact shows up in how he anchors the back end of the defense, often playing the deep half, diagnosing route concepts, and erasing potential explosive plays downfield. Analysts have also pointed to his efficiency in coverage, with historical metrics placing him among the more reliable safeties when targeted.
Blankenship Will Have New Safety Across From Him
Although Reed Blankenship will return to the field, his fellow safety Andrew Mukuba was not so lucky. First reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Mukuba will undergo surgery to repair his fractured ankle.
The second-round rookie out of Texas suffered the injury during the Cowboys game, much like Blankenship, but his injury was a bit more serious. It will be determined during surgery whether there is a possibility for Mukuba to return this season.
Fangio said that Mukuba was showing improvement, stating that “He’s been playing a lot better, avoiding the big negative plays and playing to his ability.”
In his place will be 2023 third-round pick Sydney Brown, who had entered training camp with the opportunity to earn the starting job but lost it to Mukuba. Brown has seen the field in a reserve role this season, recording nine solo tackles and eight assisted tackles through the first eleven games.
Brown was most productive in 2023, with 32 total tackles and 13 assisted tackles, along with three stuffs at or behind the line of scrimmage. Despite only recording seven total tackles in 2024, he will be ready to make the start on a short week against Chicago.
“He’s been doing a good job in practice with the reps that he does get,” Fangio said of the third-year safety. “He’s done a good job staying in-tune in the meetings and the walkthroughs. And I’m excited to see how he does.”
Blankenship’s expected return comes at the perfect time, with reserve strong safety Marcus Epps currently on injured reserve. Even with Brown stepping in for Mukuba at free safety, the Eagles’ secondary should remain steady, especially with the cornerback trio of Adoree’ Jackson, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell ready to handle the Bears’ wide receivers in front of the safeties.
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