Eagles Place Dickerson on IR, Face Lineup Uncertainty
Eagles Place Dickerson on IR, Face Lineup Uncertainty
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Key Points
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Dickerson said the knee injury is unrelated to the issue that caused him to miss two games in 2025.
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Jeff McLane said the Eagles’ replacement decision could also depend on whether they alter the center position and their overall offensive-line configuration; he identified Drew Kendall as the likely first option. Kendall is a second-year player drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and has appeared in eight games.
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Pro Football Focus charged Dickerson with four pressures allowed and a quarterback hit, giving him a grade in the low 40s that ranked near the bottom of qualifying offensive linemen in Week 1.
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The Eagles’ interior run blocking also struggled: Washington’s interior defenders repeatedly won the A-gap, and running back Saquon Barkley was hit in the backfield multiple times.
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Nick Sirianni defended Dickerson while acknowledging the need for improvement, saying the protection problems were an issue for the entire offense rather than “just one spot or one area,” and citing the guard’s size and power as reasons for patience.
The Philadelphia Eagles placed three-time Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson on injured reserve after battling a knee injury through their 24-22 Week 1 win over Washington. He will miss at least four games and can first return in Week 6 against Carolina, leaving the Eagles scrambling to fill a critical offensive line spot ahead of tough matchups against Tennessee, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Jacksonville.
Dickerson struggled in the opener, allowing four pressures and a quarterback hit while drawing a holding penalty. Pro Football Focus graded him in the low 40s, ranking near the bottom of qualifying offensive linemen. His absence forces the Eagles to decide whether Drew Kendall, a second-year fifth-round pick, or Willie Lampkin will take over at left guard.
Dickerson's Poor Performance Forced the Decision
Dickerson's Week 1 showing went beyond the injury. He allowed multiple pressures and a hit on quarterback Jalen Hurts while also committing a holding penalty. Pro Football Focus gave him a grade in the low 40s, one of the worst marks among starting offensive linemen. Interior run blocking also fell apart—Washington's defenders repeatedly won the A-gap, hitting running back Saquon Barkley multiple times in the backfield.
Coach Nick Sirianni defended Dickerson's size and power but acknowledged the protection broke down. Sirianni said the problem wasn't "just one spot or one area" but rather a team-wide issue on offense. Still, Dickerson's struggles made it clear the Eagles couldn't keep playing him through the knee pain.
Drew Kendall Steps In as the Likely Replacement
Drew Kendall emerged as the leading candidate to replace Dickerson at left guard. The second-year player was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and has appeared in eight games. Willie Lampkin also remains under consideration, but Jeff McLane reported that Kendall is the first option most likely to get the start.
The Eagles' choice could also hinge on whether they adjust their offensive line setup. A shift at center or overall configuration could change who fills the left guard spot. Kendall's limited experience makes the transition risky, but the Eagles have little choice with Dickerson sidelined for at least a month.
Four Tough Games Ahead With No Time to Adjust
The timing is brutal for Philadelphia. Before Dickerson can return in Week 6, the Eagles face Tennessee, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Jacksonville. All four opponents have strong defensive lines that will test a rebuilt interior. The Eagles' run blocking already struggled in Week 1, and a less experienced left guard could make things worse.
Dickerson said his current knee injury is unrelated to a previous issue that caused him to miss two games in 2025. That's a small positive—it suggests this is a new problem rather than a recurring one. Still, the Eagles must adapt fast or risk their offensive line falling apart during one of the toughest four-game stretches on their schedule.
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