• Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson injured his right leg during Eagles’ open practice, raising doubts about his Week 1 availability.
• The 26-year-old recently signed a four-year, $87M deal, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
• Backup Brett Toth may fill in as the Eagles prepare for joint practices with the Browns. Additionally, he may be needed for the season opener vs. Dallas.

The Philadelphia Eagles may have been dealt a major blow before the season has even kicked off.
During an open practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday night, Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson suffered what appeared to be a worrying leg injury. This sent shockwaves through both the team and its fans.

A Sudden Halt in the Middle of the Action

The injury occurred late in the team’s scrimmage during an 11-on-11 drill. One moment, Dickerson was locked in with a defensive lineman, holding his ground as he has so many times before. The next, he was down on the turf, clearly in discomfort and unable to put weight on his right leg.

Players from both sides of the ball immediately gathered around, some crouching beside him while others stood back with concerned expressions. The stadium, which had been buzzing with excitement only moments earlier, fell into an uneasy silence.

With the help of trainers, Dickerson rose to his feet and attempted a few tentative steps. He could bend his knee slightly, but his body language told the real story — something wasn’t right. Moments later, a cart was brought onto the field, and the 26-year-old lineman was taken to the locker room as fans applauded in support.

A Painful Twist to a Record-Breaking Offseason

The timing of the injury makes it sting even more for Eagles supporters. Just months ago, Dickerson signed a four-year extension worth up to \$87 million, including incentives. This deal not only secured his future in Philadelphia but also made him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.

It was a fitting reward for a player who has become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense since being drafted 37th overall in 2021. He is known for his toughness, relentless work ethic, and ability to bulldoze defenders. Dickerson had made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. His chemistry with his fellow linemen, especially center Jason Kelce and left tackle Jordan Mailata, has been a defining strength of Philadelphia’s attack.

But now, with the season opener against their bitter rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, looming on September 4, the Eagles face an unsettling question. How do you replace a player of his caliber if he’s not ready to go?

History of Knee Concerns Adds Worry

The injury is particularly troubling because Dickerson had already been listed as a limited participant in Saturday’s practice due to a knee issue. While he was cleared for full participation on Sunday, the sight of him going down has reignited fears about his durability.

Injuries have been part of Dickerson’s story since college, when he endured multiple season-ending knee and ankle injuries. In Philadelphia, however, he had managed to stay relatively healthy, missing only a handful of games in three seasons. His resilience had become part of his reputation. This makes the latest setback feel even more disheartening for fans. They had hoped those days were behind him.

The Depth Problem Philadelphia Didn’t Want

Without Dickerson, the Eagles’ offensive line suddenly looks less intimidating. Brett Toth, the backup lineman who has stepped in for Dickerson before, is the most likely candidate to take over at left guard. While Toth is capable, he’s no Pro Bowler. Consequently, the drop-off in protection for quarterback Jalen Hurts could be significant.

Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland now faces the task of reworking a unit that has been one of the best in the league for years. Any disruption to that chemistry, especially this close to the season, can be dangerous. The Eagles’ offense thrives on timing and rhythm. Both can falter if the protection up front is compromised.

Fans React with Frustration and Fear

Within minutes of the injury, social media lit up with reactions from Eagles fans. Many expressed frustration at the team holding an intense open practice just weeks before the season opener. Others were quick to defend the decision, pointing out that injuries can happen at any time, in any setting.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “This is the one guy we couldn’t afford to lose. Please let this be minor.” Another posted, “This feels like déjà vu. Every year it’s the same — a key player goes down right before the season starts.”

Sports radio lines were flooded Monday morning with callers debating whether the team should hold Dickerson out for the remainder of the preseason. This is even if his injury turns out to be minor.

What’s Next for Dickerson and the Eagles

The Eagles are scheduled for joint practices with the Cleveland Browns this week. These sessions would have provided valuable preparation for the season. Whether Dickerson will be present — even on the sidelines — is uncertain.

Philadelphia also has preseason games ahead, but the coaching staff will now have to balance getting the offensive line ready without risking further injuries. That could mean more snaps for Toth and other backups, giving the team a better look at its depth chart. However, it may also deprive the starters of valuable live reps together.

A Vital Piece of the Eagles’ Puzzle

Landon Dickerson isn’t just another player on the roster. He’s a tone-setter — the kind of lineman who makes life easier for the running backs. Without him, the entire offense can feel different.

His blocking in the run game has been a huge factor in Philadelphia’s recent success. This allows the Eagles to control the pace of games and wear down defenses. Losing that presence could have ripple effects that stretch far beyond one position.

Hoping for the Best, Bracing for the Worst

For now, the Eagles are holding their breath. The team has not yet released any official update on the extent of Dickerson’s injury. This leaves room for both optimism and dread. If tests reveal only a minor strain or bruise, he could be back in time for Week 1. However, if it’s more serious, the Eagles may have to rethink their strategy for the early part of the season.

Coach Nick Sirianni is expected to address the media this week. Fans will be listening closely for any hint of a timeline. In Philadelphia, where expectations for a deep playoff run are sky-high, the loss of a key player like Dickerson could be a turning point — and not the good kind.