Practice Woes for Becton and Dickerson as Eagles Gear Up for Upcoming Season
The demanding nature of training camps often uncovers the vulnerabilities of even the most resilient players, and this week’s session was no different for the Philadelphia Eagles. Right guard Mekhi Becton and fellow lineman Landon Dickerson grappled with injuries that highlighted the brutal reality of preseason preparations.
Starting right guard Mekhi Becton could not complete his practice session due to a persistent right leg injury. Last season, Becton had been a crucial component of the New York Jets’ lineup, albeit playing with a brace on his right knee. His current plight raises concerns, especially since he had been seen favoring the same leg in prior training sessions.
When asked about his condition after the incident, Becton’s response was a succinct "good." Despite this optimistic outlook, the sight of a key player struggling with a recurrent issue is a cause for concern for the coaching staff. "I finished practice," he confirmed, but the visual evidence suggested lingering troubles.
Landon Dickerson also faced his share of challenges. The guard spent most of the drills hobbling, a scenario that became more acute following a grueling one-on-one rep with Milton Williams. Despite emerging from this encounter limping, Dickerson showcased tenacity by pushing through and completing the session. This resilience is commendable, particularly as Dickerson has not missed a single day of open practices since returning from a lacerated toe earlier in the training camp. The narrative took a worrying turn when he momentarily left practice due to a knee injury but reassured everyone by swiftly returning to the field.
The troubles do not end there for the Eagles’ second-string lineup either. Second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, a setback exacerbated during the second preseason game. As a result, Brett Toth had to step up, taking on the significant responsibility of first-team right guard duties.
Injury concerns extended beyond these key players, with several notable absentees from Day 14 of practice. Missing from the roster were Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. Such absences underscore the physical toll of preseason preparations and raise questions about squad depth and readiness.
The Eagles have a rigorous week ahead, with full practice sessions lined up for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, preceded by a walkthrough scheduled for Monday. These sessions will be crucial for the team to reassess their strategies and give injured players some breathing space to recover before the season’s rigors set in.
As the team irons out the chinks in their armor, the resilience shown by players, particularly Becton and Dickerson, is a silver lining. Their ability to push through pain barriers and continue to participate in training is a testament to their commitment and tenacity. However, it remains to be seen how these injuries might impact their performance as the season progresses.
The path to recovery for Becton, Dickerson, Steen, and other sidelined players will be closely monitored. Their health and fitness will be pivotal to the Eagles' aspirations for the upcoming season, with each practice session providing new insights into their readiness and endurance.
The coaching staff will hope for fewer disruptions as the team builds towards a cohesive unit capable of taking on the challenges of the new season. For now, the focus remains on meticulous rehabilitation and cautious participation in training drills, balancing the act of preparation with preservation.