Andrew Mukuba's rookie season featured enough flashes to leave Philadelphia Eagles fans excited about what may come next. Unfortunately, it also ended the way many feared it could.
He totaled 46 tackles, a half-sack, two interceptions, and three pass breakups during his first NFL campaign while starting 10 of Philadelphia's first 11 games. The young safety showed range, instincts, and legitimate playmaking ability in Vic Fangio's defense.
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Then came the disastrous trip to Arlington against the Dallas Cowboys. Everything changed on one play. While attempting to track down George Pickens following a long catch-and-run, Mukuba suffered a fractured ankle that ultimately required surgery and ended his season immediately.
That injury remains part of a larger conversation surrounding Mukuba. The upside is obvious. So are the concerns. Remember, he also missed time during the previous offseason with injury concerns. Mukuba has consistently displayed playmaking instincts dating back to college, but durability questions have followed him for years.
Andrew Mukuba's OTA appearance feels like a positive development
The 'injury-prone' label didn't suddenly appear after one NFL setback. Fair or not, it has lingered since his NCAA days. That's why every positive recovery update matters.
Philadelphia recently opened its second OTA session to media members, and Mukuba's participation immediately caught attention. While the Eagles are understandably being careful with the young defensive back, simply seeing him working alongside teammates feels significant this early in the offseason process.
Andrew Mukuba, who fractured his ankle in November, is here at #Eagles OTAs doing some light work: pic.twitter.com/dP2QSjSb9I
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 27, 2026
Eagles second-year safety Drew Mukuba coming off injury. pic.twitter.com/veRhq2TeFn
— Cayden Steele (@cayden_steele19) May 27, 2026
Andrew Mukuba back practicing after breaking his ankle last November.
— Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) May 27, 2026
He told us at locker clean out day he was confident he would be back 100% healthy to start this season. pic.twitter.com/dQgqbEunwu
It's another sign that recovery appears to be moving in the right direction. The Eagles need that badly. Safety remains one of the more unsettled positions on the roster entering training camp. Marcus Epps figures to play a major role. Meanwhile, Michael Carter is expected to receive a long look at safety.
Cooper DeJean is expected to play the safety position in base packages. Still, Philadelphia’s long-term hopes at the position likely involve Mukuba becoming a foundational piece of the secondary. That’s why his progress matters so much. He'll look to shed the 'injury-prone' label in year two.
No one should pretend the concerns have vanished entirely. Availability remains part of the evaluation until Mukuba proves he can consistently stay healthy over a full NFL season. Still, for now, the signs are encouraging, and after the way his promising rookie season ended, something 'encouraging' seems to be exactly what the Eagles needed to see.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Andrew Mukuba takes another step toward his Eagles return