Starting right guard Mekhi Becton left practice early due to a right leg injury, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming games. Becton, who wore a brace on his right knee last season with the New York Jets, had previously been seen favoring the same leg in earlier sessions, indicating a possible persistent issue.
Despite the setback, Becton assured the media, "I finished practice," and when asked about his condition, he succinctly added, "good." However, his early departure suggests that the injury might require closer monitoring as the practice sessions continue.
Guard Woes Continue
Meanwhile, guard Landon Dickerson struggled through most of the drills, visibly hobbling. After a tough one-on-one rep with Milton Williams, Dickerson emerged limping but demonstrated considerable grit by finishing the session despite his injury. Dickerson's presence on the field has already been compromised this training camp due to a lacerated toe, an injury from which he had only recently returned. Remarkably, Dickerson hasn’t missed a single day of open practices since overcoming the toe injury, showcasing his resilience and dedication.
Nonetheless, Dickerson had to momentarily leave practice due to a knee injury but returned later in the same session, highlighting his determination to stay involved as the team prepares for the season.
Depth Tested by Injuries
The team's depth at the guard position is being severely tested. Second-team guard Tyler Steen is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, which he aggravated during the second preseason game. This has forced Brett Toth to step up and assume the first-team right guard responsibilities. Toth's performance in this crucial role will be closely watched as he fills the void left by his injured teammates.
Key Absentees
Several key players missed Day 14 of practice, adding to the team's challenges. 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 absence could impact the team’s practice dynamics and preparations.
Despite these setbacks, the team is scheduled for a full practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a walkthrough planned for Monday. These sessions will be crucial for the team to regroup and address the injury concerns that have plagued the roster.
As the practice sessions continue, the coaching staff will need to make strategic adjustments to compensate for the missing players. The resilience and adaptability of the team will be key as they navigate these challenges and prepare for the upcoming season. The next few practices will be invaluable in determining how the team can mitigate the impact of these injuries and ensure that they are ready for competitive play.