PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles endured a particularly grueling practice session recently, with several key players facing setbacks. The physical demands of the drills led to notable departures and injuries on the field.
Mekhi Becton's Practice Exit
Starting right guard Mekhi Becton left practice prematurely due to a right leg injury. This comes after a history of knee issues, as Becton wore a brace on his right knee last season with the New York Jets. In previous sessions, Becton had been seen favoring the same leg, raising concerns about his long-term fitness. Despite the injury, Becton remained optimistic, reaffirming his commitment by stating simply, "I finished practice." When asked about his condition, Becton's concise response was, "good."
Landon Dickerson's Ongoing Battle
Guard Landon Dickerson also had a challenging practice. He was observed hobbling through most of the drills, and after a tough 1-on-1 rep with Milton Williams, he emerged limping. Nevertheless, the gritty lineman finished the session, demonstrating his resilience. Earlier in the training camp, Dickerson had been sidelined by a lacerated toe, but since returning, he hasn't missed a single day of open practices. The latest incident is a reminder of the physical toll the game takes, as Dickerson momentarily left practice due to a knee injury but made a return later in the same session.
Depth Chart Woes
The Eagles' woes extended beyond their starting lineup. Second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently out with an ankle injury, which he aggravated during the second preseason game. With Becton and Steen sidelined, Brett Toth stepped up to assume the first-team right guard responsibilities. The situation is far from ideal, given that several key players were already missing from Day 14 of practice. The absentees included Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles are scheduled for a full practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a walkthrough planned for Monday. It remains to be seen how the team will manage its injured players and how the roster will adapt in the coming sessions. The rigors of NFL training camps continue to test the resilience and depth of the squad, demanding both physical endurance and mental fortitude.
As the Eagles push forward in their preparation, the health and readiness of their players will undoubtedly be a focal point for the coaching staff. How they navigate these challenges could have a substantial impact on their performance in the upcoming season.