Eagles Eye 53-Man Spots for A.J. Epenesa, 207th Pick Micah Morris

Q: After a failed physical, can A.J. Epenesa overcome his injury history to bolster the Eagles' Super Bowl run?

Yes — if A.J. Epenesa is healthy enough to get through camp, he has a realistic chance to help Philadelphia’s Super Bowl push, though more as a rotational piece than a difference-maker. The key fact is that Cleveland voided his earlier deal after a failed physical, reportedly tied to an undisclosed issue after a 2025 season in which he dealt with concussion, pectoral, foot and neck problems. That creates legitimate risk. But the Eagles still signed him in June, which strongly suggests their medical staff was comfortable enough with his condition to take a low-cost chance. Epenesa’s track record supports the move. He is only 27, has played in 16 games or more in most seasons, and produced 6.5 sacks in 2022 and 2023 and 6 sacks in 2024. Even in an injury-affected 2025, he remained available for 16 games and posted 2.5 sacks, 32 tackles and two interceptions. He is not a star, but he has been a useful NFL edge defender. That fits what Philadelphia needs. The Eagles already have frontline pass-rush talent, and under Vic Fangio the value of a dependable fourth or fifth edge rusher is significant over a long season. Epenesa does not need to carry the unit; he needs to give quality snaps, rush in sub-packages and protect the team against attrition. So the answer is yes, but with limits: if his health holds up, Epenesa can bolster the Eagles’ depth and pass-rush rotation. If the injury concerns resurface, his impact will be minimal.

1 articles · Updated · The Philadelphia Inquirer · Jul 15

July 28 training camp will test whether A.J. Epenesa and sixth-round pick Micah Morris can turn likely roles into firm places on Philadelphia’s 53-man roster.
Epenesa, 27, joined the Eagles on June 10 after Cleveland voided his offseason deal following a failed physical, bringing six years of Bills experience and a 6.5-sack peak season in 2022.
Philadelphia projects him as a situational edge rusher rather than a starter, but its deep pass-rush group could still make him a useful piece in Vic Fangio’s defensive-line rotation if he stays healthy.
Morris, drafted 207th overall out of Georgia, was added to bolster thin interior line depth behind Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen, with injuries and limited experience creating a possible path to early snaps.
The pair are part of more than three dozen new faces the Eagles expect to report, underscoring how camp battles will shape both the pass-rush rotation and offensive-line depth chart.