Starting right guard Mekhi Becton left practice prematurely due to a right leg injury, raising concerns for the New York Jets' offensive line depth. Becton, who sported a brace on his right knee last season, has been seen favoring the same leg in earlier sessions, an indication that his struggles with his right knee might be far from over. Despite the injury, Becton reassured the team and fans by stating, "I finished practice," and when asked about his condition, he succinctly replied, "good."
Challenges for Landon Dickerson
Guard Landon Dickerson also faced difficulties during the practice session. After a tough one-on-one rep with Milton Williams, Dickerson emerged limping but showed a remarkable level of resilience by finishing the session, despite obviously hobbling through most of the drills. Dickerson's tenacity is commendable, especially considering he had been sidelined earlier in the training camp with a lacerated toe. Since returning from the toe injury, he hasn't missed a single day of open practices, a testament to his commitment and endurance. Dickerson momentarily left practice due to a knee injury but managed to return later in the same session, further demonstrating his determination.
Injury Woes for Tyler Steen
Second-team guard Tyler Steen has also been dealing with injury concerns. Currently out with an ankle injury, Steen aggravated it during the second preseason game, compounding the challenges for the team's offensive line unit. In Steen's absence, Brett Toth has stepped up to assume first-team right guard responsibilities, an essential role with the team's current injury situation.
Absentees from Practice
Several key players were missing from Day 14 of practice, contributing to the overall strain on the team's preparation. The absentees included Gabe Hall, Matt Hennessy, E.J. Jenkins, Lane Johnson, Joseph Ngata, Moro Ojomo, Albert Okwuegbunam, Caden Sterns, John Ross, and Johnny Wilson. Their non-attendance highlights the importance of maintaining a deep and healthy roster as the season progresses.
Upcoming Schedule
The Eagles have a rigorous practice schedule lined up with full sessions planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. However, they’ll attempt to manage their players' recovery and conditioning with a walkthrough scheduled for Monday, providing a balanced approach to training amidst the growing list of injuries.
As the team moves forward, managing the health and fitness of key players will be crucial. Becton's, Dickerson's, and Steen's injuries highlight the inherent physical demands and risks of NFL training camps. With several critical sessions ahead, the focus will be on preparation, recovery, and maintaining resilience as the team gears up for the upcoming season.