Key Eagles Position Battle Over After Unfortunate Preseason Injury

The Philadelphia Eagles made an important acquisition in the offseason, upgrading D'Andre Swift with Saquon Barkley at running back. Other than that, however, they brought back the same group on the offensive side of the ball, except for one big change: Jason Kelce retiring.

Kelce's retirement obviously forced Nick Sirianni to make some changes in the offensive line. Cam Jurgens moved to center, creating a big hole at right guard. Who the fifth player on the Eagles' offensive line was going to be was one of the biggest depth chart questions heading into the 2024 NFL season.

After Preseason Week 2 when the Eagles defeated the Patriots, 14-13, we may finally have an answer.

Eagles Rumors: Mekhi Becton Presumptive Starter at RG

Sirianni chose to start second-year offensive lineman Tyler Steen on Thursday while new free-agent signing Mekhi Becton was on the sidelines in street clothes. Eagles insiders saw this as evidence that Becton has the starting job locked up. Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice called the competition "a wrap" while Alexis Chassen of Bleeding Green Nation agreed.

"Becton resting with the other offensive starters certainly lends to idea that he’s earned the starting job — especially with the wet field conditions and already having a competitive joint practice earlier in the week."

- Alexis Chassen, Bleeding Green Nation

The Eagles don't like to play their starters in the preseason under head coach Nick Sirianni. Keeping Becton on the sidelines with the rest of the offensive line starters certainly says something.

To further cement Becton's role as the starter, Steen suffered an unfortunate ankle injury 12 plays into the game and had to be carted off. His status is uncertain but the fact that he was able to walk off the field is a good sign.

At the same time, it means that he will not have the opportunity to make his case to start over Becton.

Steen, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft played a total of 71 snaps last year. Becton, who was the No. 11 overall pick by the Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft, struggled with availability throughout his career. He has almost exclusively played left tackle so far in his career, so switching to right guard will be a transition for the 25-year-old out of Louisville.

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