Landon Dickerson Missing 1-2 Weeks Might Be What He Needs
Look, let’s be honest. Watching Landon Dickerson try to play football this season has been like watching a superhero try to save the world with a bad case of the flu. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is clearly weak. We’ve all seen it. The Pro Bowl guard, the guy who’s supposed to be a mauler in the trenches for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been battling through more ailments than a retirement home bingo night.
A knee here, a back there, and now an ankle injury that finally forced him out of Sunday’s game. It’s been tough to watch, and frankly, it’s not doing anyone any favors. Now, reports are swirling that he could miss a game or two. To which I say, “Only a game or two? Are you kidding me?” The Eagles have a golden opportunity to do the right thing, and for once, that means putting their star player on the bench.
The Problem With Dickerson Playing Hurt
Let’s call it what it is: Dickerson hasn’t looked like himself. The guy’s a warrior, no one’s denying that. He’d probably try to play on one leg if the coaching staff let him. But that grit, while admirable, has been hurting the team. The stats don’t lie. Before getting knocked out of the Broncos game, Dickerson’s pass-blocking grades were, to put it nicely, subpar. We’re talking about a guy whose best pass-blocking grade in the first month was a measly 56.7. His worst? A cringe-worthy 39.9 against Dallas in Week 1, when he was fresh off a knee injury and also dealing with back problems.
You don’t need to be an analytics nerd to see that a compromised Dickerson is a liability. It’s like sending a heavyweight boxer into the ring with one arm tied behind his back. He might land a lucky punch, but he’s more likely to get knocked out. By gutting it out, Dickerson isn’t just risking further injury; he’s putting the entire offense, and the guy they pay nine figures to, Jalen Hurts, at risk. Sometimes, you have to save a player from his own toughness.
Why a Longer Break for Dickerson Makes Sense
Initial reports suggest Dickerson might miss the next one or two games. That would sideline him for Thursday’s game against the New York Giants and potentially the Week 7 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. But let’s think bigger picture here, something the Eagles front office usually prides itself on. Why rush him back?
After the Vikings game, the Eagles have another date with the Giants in Week 8, followed by a perfectly timed Week 9 bye. This isn’t just a break; it’s a gift from the football gods. It’s a chance to give Dickerson an extended vacation. Let the man rest. Let him heal. Let him get back to being the dominant force he’s capable of being.
If his replacement, Brett Toth, can hold his own for a few games, there is absolutely no reason to trot a 70% Dickerson back onto the field. The goal isn’t to win a mid-October game against a division rival; the goal is to be playing meaningful football in January and February. For that to happen, the offensive line needs to be a fortress, not a collection of walking wounded.
The Eagles Must Protect Dickerson From Himself
The organization needs to step in and make the smart move, not the tough-guy move. Sitting Dickerson until after the bye week, Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers, should be the plan. Imagine a fully rested, fully healthy Dickerson returning for the brutal second half of the season. That’s the version of Dickerson the Eagles need for their playoff push.
We all respect the Ironman mentality. It’s what makes athletes like Dickerson special. But there’s a fine line between playing through pain and actively harming your team. Right now, he’s on the wrong side of that line. It’s time for the Eagles to look at the long game. Protect your asset, give him the rest he clearly needs, and unleash him when it matters most. It’s the perfect chance to get this right, and they’d be foolish to let it slip by.
