Philadelphia Eagles rookie free safety and nickel Andrew Mukuba suffered an ankle fracture that will require surgery during a 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. As Fowler alluded to, "The injury occurred during Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and it will be determined during surgery whether there is potential for him to return this season."
The injury may end a promising, if uneven, rookie season for Mukuba. While Vic Fangio certainly pushed the former Texas Longhorn in his first go-round in Philly, there was respect from the Eagles' defensive coordinator for what Mukuba could accomplish.
Sadly, right before Mukuba's injury, Fangio had finally changed his tune on the Austin native via Zimbabwe.
"Yes. That's a part of us playing better, too. Early in the year, he had some bad plays that led to big plays for the opponent, and we haven't had that lately," Fangio said last week, via Cayden Steele of NJ.com.
One man's lost season is another man's opportunity to show he can help his team in multiple ways, though.
Second-year DB Cooper DeJean now has the chance to display much-needed versatility for an Eagles team looking to see who's a long-term keeper on a potential dynasty. It'd come with sacrificing snaps at his preferred position, but that shouldn't be too big a problem.
Cooper DeJean Wanted Chance to Start at Both Safety Spots
DeJean wanted this chance all offseason. Back in August, DeJean went on the record and said he wanted to play all three DB positions.
"From Day 1, I've tried to learn all three positions, and I've played all three positions at this point," DeJean said at training camp, via CBS Sports. "So if it comes to a point where they put me out there, I feel prepared to do that.
"I'm still learning how to play the position, all the techniques and responsibilities. But I'm definitely starting to feel more comfortable."
Fangio looks poised to put DeJean out there to account for Mukuba's versatility, especially if he's worried about his DBs being beaten over the top. Of course, that comes with risks. Against the Cowboys, DeJean was targeted six times in man coverage. He allowed five catches for 152 receiving yards and gave up a touchdown grab in blown coverage.
There will be adjustments, and it won't always be smooth, if it is at all. But figuring out how to fix this conundrum could go a long way toward sealing DeJean's future in Philadelphia. It'd also be a positive for Mukuba if DeJean can hold it down while he's gone. Anything to avoid looking too deep under the hood and potentially finding a need to draft, sign, or trade for a potential replacement.