In a practice session filled with concerning injury reports, starting right guard Mekhi Becton had to leave prematurely due to an apparent right leg injury. This incident marks a continuation of troubles for Becton, who was seen wearing a brace on his right knee last season while playing for the New York Jets. Observers noted that Becton had been favoring the same leg in previous sessions, raising eyebrows about his long-term health and readiness.
Despite the early exit, Becton assured teammates and coaches of his resilience, stating, "I finished practice." When pressed about his condition, he simply responded, "good," sparking hope, but leaving the situation somewhat ambiguous.
Alongside Becton's early exit, guard Landon Dickerson was also notably hobbling through most of the drills. The cumbersome day peaked with a tough 1-on-1 rep against Milton Williams, after which Dickerson emerged limping. Yet, epitomizing determination, Dickerson finished the session despite his injury woes. This episode added to his ongoing physical struggles, as he had been sidelined earlier in the training camp by a lacerated toe.
Dickerson's robust spirit shows no signs of dimming as he hasn't missed a single day of open practices since returning from the toe injury. Though he left momentarily due to a knee issue, he displayed commendable grit by returning later during the same practice session.
Meanwhile, the depth chart faced additional turbulence as second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently out with an ankle injury. Steen aggravated this injury during the second preseason game, further limiting the team's options. This created an opportunity for Brett Toth, who stepped up to assume the first-team right guard responsibilities in light of the numerous absentees.
Key Absences Compound Issues
The scarcity of healthy bodies became more evident with several key players missing from Day 14 of practice. Notable absentees included Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. The lack of these players on the training field underscores a growing concern for the coaching staff as they scramble to maintain cohesion and performance during this crucial preparatory period.
Upcoming Schedule
The Eagles are slated for a full practice schedule in the coming days, with sessions planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The team has also scheduled a walkthrough for Monday, ostensibly to manage the physical load on their increasingly battered roster.
As the Eagles forge ahead in their preseason journey, the resilience and fortitude of their players will undoubtedly be put to the test. With a burgeoning list of injuries, the coaching staff faces the daunting task of balancing player welfare with the urgent need for intense preparation. How they navigate these murky waters will be critical in setting the tone for the upcoming season. For the players, it's a time to dig deep and push through adversity, embodying the spirit of the game they passionately serve.