Starting right guard Mekhi Becton left practice prematurely after suffering what appeared to be a right leg injury. This setback raises concerns, as Becton was already seen favoring the same leg in previous sessions. The lineman, who wore a brace on his right knee last season with the New York Jets, had exhibited signs of lingering issues.
Despite the premature exit, Becton reassured fans and teammates alike, stating, "I finished practice." When asked about his condition, he simply responded, "Good." These comments indicate his determination to push through, even if the situation remains tenuous.
Challenges in the Line
Becton's departure wasn't the only cause for concern during practice. Landon Dickerson was also visibly hampered, hobbling through most of the drills. After a tough one-on-one rep with Milton Williams, Dickerson emerged limping but impressively finished the session. Earlier this training camp, Dickerson had been sidelined by a lacerated toe. However, his resilience has been noteworthy. Since returning from that toe injury, he hasn’t missed a single day of open practices, showcasing his commitment to the team.
Subsequently, Dickerson momentarily left practice due to a knee injury but returned later in the same session, much to the relief of the coaching staff. The team's ability to maintain their offensive line's integrity will hinge significantly on Dickerson's health and ability to remain on the field.
Injury Woes Continue
The challenges don't stop there for the Eagles as second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently out with an ankle injury. Steen aggravated his ankle injury during the second preseason game, leading to Brett Toth stepping up and assuming the first-team right guard responsibilities. The team hopes that Steen's recovery will be swift, but Toth's readiness to fill in has been a positive development amidst the strain.
Notable Absentees
Day 14 of practice saw several key players missing, which could impact the team’s cohesion heading into the final stretch of preseason preparations. Among the absentees were 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 pivotal players can pose a challenge as the coaches prepare the squad for the competitive rigors ahead.
Upcoming Schedule
Despite the spate of injuries, the Eagles are scheduled for a full practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining momentum. Monday includes a walkthrough, which will allow some respite, especially for the injured players who need more time to recover.
The spate of injuries highlights the physical toll that training camp can take, emphasizing the need for depth and resilience across the roster. For the Eagles, the upcoming full practices will be crucial for integrating backups and ensuring that every player is game-ready as the season approaches. Observers will keenly watch how the coaching staff navigates these challenges and prepares the team amidst these adversities.