Injury Concerns Rise for Eagles' Guards During Training Camp
The Eagles’ training camp took a concerning turn as key players faced a series of injuries that could significantly impact the team's depth chart and performance. Starting right guard Mekhi Becton left practice prematurely due to a right leg injury. This injury is particularly worrisome as Becton was seen wearing a brace on his right knee last season with the New York Jets, and he has been favoring the same leg in previous sessions.
Despite the early exit from practice, Becton tried to reassure his commitment and condition. "I finished practice," Becton mentioned, although his abrupt departure casts doubt on the longevity of his participation in subsequent days. When asked about his immediate condition, he succinctly replied, "good."
Meanwhile, another significant concern for the Eagles has been the health of guard Landon Dickerson. Dickerson has been visibly hobbled through most of the drills and had a particularly tough time after a grueling 1-on-1 rep with Milton Williams. Emerging limping, it didn’t bode well for the rest of the session. Nevertheless, demonstrating his resilience, Dickerson managed to finish the session despite his evident discomfort.
Dickerson’s determination to stay on the field is notable. Earlier in the training camp, he was sidelined by a lacerated toe but hasn't missed a single day of open practices since he returned. Briefly, he had to leave practice due to a knee injury but later returned, emphasizing his commitment to remain an active part of the team during these crucial pre-season preparations.
The injury woes don’t end there for the Eagles. Second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently out with an ankle injury, which he aggravated during the second preseason game. This has left the team scrambling for reliable backups, and Brett Toth has had to step up to assume the first-team right guard responsibilities. Toth’s readiness will be pivotal in ensuring that the team's offensive line maintains its robustness despite the unexpected injuries.
Adding to the challenges, several key players were notably absent from Day 14 of practice. These absentees included prominent names like Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. The absence of such players could significantly affect the team’s dynamics during practice sessions designed to hone skills and strategies for the upcoming season.
Despite the setbacks, the Eagles are pressing forward with their scheduled practice sessions. They have a full practice lined up for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a walkthrough planned for Monday. These sessions will be crucial in assessing the current state of injured players and finding effective replacements if necessary.
The injury situation among the Eagles' guards underscores the unpredictable and physically demanding nature of NFL training camps. As the season approaches, the team will need to leverage its depth and resilience to ensure they are well-prepared. The coming days will be telling in terms of the roster's overall health and readiness.