As training camps progress and the preseason unfolds, injuries remain a significant concern for NFL teams. The latest buzz from practice brings focus to two critical players—Mekhi Becton and Landon Dickerson—each grappling with their own injury battles. For the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles, these developments are shaping the narrative of their preparation for the season ahead.
Mekhi Becton Leaves Early
In a troubling moment for the New York Jets, starting right guard Mekhi Becton prematurely exited practice due to a right leg injury. Observers noted Becton favoring the same leg he's struggled with previously. Last season, Becton wore a brace on his right knee, indicating an ongoing issue that has yet to fully resolve. To shed light on his condition, Becton addressed the media briefly, stating, "I finished practice." When pressed further about his status, he simply responded, "Good." The ambiguity of his comment leaves room for concern as the team awaits a comprehensive evaluation.
Landon Dickerson's Resilience
Over in Philadelphia, guard Landon Dickerson's situation presents a different narrative. Despite visibly hobbling through most of the drills, Dickerson demonstrated remarkable resilience. Following a tough one-on-one rep with Milton Williams, he emerged limping but managed to finish the session. His perseverance is noteworthy, particularly considering he had been sidelined by a lacerated toe earlier in training camp. Nonetheless, Dickerson has not missed a single day of open practices since his return.
During practice, Dickerson momentarily left the field due to a knee injury but returned later the same session, underscoring his determination. This steadfastness will be crucial for the Eagles as they navigate the remaining preseason games and look to solidify their lineup.
Tyler Steen Sidelined
The Eagles' second-team guard, Tyler Steen, is currently out with an ankle injury, aggravated during the second preseason game. With Steen’s absence, Brett Toth has been tasked with stepping up to assume first-team right guard responsibilities. The increased workload on Toth comes as the Eagles approach critical practice days ahead of the season opener.
Several Key Players Absent
The challenges within the Eagles' camp don’t end there. Several key players were notably missing from Day 14 of practice, including Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. Their absences add to the complexity as the team attempts to maintain momentum and cohesion amidst shifting dynamics.
Upcoming Practices
Looking forward, the Eagles have a full practice schedule set for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a walkthrough planned for Monday. These sessions will be pivotal for the coaching staff to assess player fitness, refine strategies, and make necessary adjustments.
As both the Jets and Eagles continue their rigorous preparations, the health and performance of their players, particularly those like Becton and Dickerson, will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping their season trajectories. The coming days will be essential in revealing how these athletes and their teams adapt to the challenges of the preseason grind.