BALTIMORE — Before the Eagles took their first snap against the Ravens on Saturday night, one of their players emerged victorious.
Notably, veteran safety Marcus Epps sat out with the other starters, making him a winner without having to play. Philadelphia’s defensive starters did not suit up for the preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium, so it’s clear now that Epps is one of them.
The Eagles had Epps and Michael Carter II compete for the starting safety job during camp, but Saturday night’s decision to hold Epps out and play Carter indicated that the team viewed Epps as the starter.
Carter will be the Eagles’ dime back and the team’s top backup safety and nickel cornerback. He has had a strong summer at safety, so it’s surprising the Eagles are not giving him a better shot to win the job.
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The position battle at safety is not officially over until Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says Epps is the starter or until Epps starts in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders. But it looks like Epps is ahead of Carter, and it’s his job to lose.
Epps finished with 21 tackles in 12 games with the Eagles last year, including four starts. He is set to replace former Eagles safety Reed Blankenship, who signed with the Houston Texans in free agency.
Carter was still playing during the second quarter, which further indicates where he stands.
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