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Philadelphia Eagles, Jeff Stoutland
August 16, 2024 By  Philadelphia Eagles

UPDATE: The Philadelphia Eagles Have a New Front-Runner to Start in the Interior for Week 1

The Philadelphia Eagles, throughout the offseason, have had intense competition for the starting right guard job, the last offensive line position up for grabs. The top two contenders include Tyler Steen and Mekhi Becton. Steen, a third-round pick from last season who didn’t play much as a rookie, and Becton, a former tackle turned guard trying to get a fresh start at a new position and a change of scenery.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ second-year player took the early lead

Philadelphia Eagles, Tyler Steen
Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Tyler Steen (56) stands on the sidelines during the first half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Steen took the early lead heading into training camp, receiving first-team reps during spring practices, and even had his locker moved into the starting right guard spot. It was his job to lose. All he needed to do was stay healthy.

Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse.

Tyler Steen suffered an injury in their first week of camp

Philadelphia Eagles, Tyler Steen
Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Tyler Steen (56) walks off the field after a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Steen suffered an ankle injury on July 27 and missed over a week and a half of practice. He returned to practice on August 5, and since then, he has been relegated to the second-team offense. Steen was the second-stringer in their first preseason game, sitting behind the new front-runner.

The Philadelphia Eagles free-agent acquisition is now the favorite to start Week 1

Philadelphia Eagles, mekhi becton
Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) stands on the sidelines during the first half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Mekhi Becton is the new favorite to start at right guard. He served as the backup throughout the spring and their first few days of training camp. However, that changed when Steen missed time with an injury. Since then, Becton has taken over with the first-team offense, receiving first-team reps in practice, starting in their preseason opener, and joint practices against the Patriots.

Becton did not play against the Patriots in their second preseason game. Not playing could be an indication that he secured the right guard job.

Finally, Steen exited the first quarter with an ankle injury. He walked off the field and into the medical tent to be examined. After that, the medical staff carted him off the field to undergo testing. We will update you once we have more information.

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About Jackson Loschko

Jackson is a sports writer. He writes about college and professional football for Gridiron Heroics. His goal is to be factual, impartial, objective, and trustworthy when writing his articles.

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