The Philadelphia Eagles rode their offensive line to a Super Bowl last season, and former Alabama star center Landon Dickerson was at the heart of their success. Now, after a major injury scare, the Eagles are likely to have their star left guard back for the beginning of the regular season.
Dickerson reportedly suffered a meniscus injury on Sunday at training camp, and initially it appeared to threaten his fifth season in the NFL. However, on Monday afternoon, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport clarified that Dickerson would not need season-ending surgery, but rather a minor procedure to address the injury, which could allow him to return in time for Philadelphia’s Week 1 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, September 4.
#Eagles Pro Bowl G Landon Dickerson, who suffered a meniscus injury on Sunday night, is having minor knee surgery in the coming days, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 11, 2025
He’s considered week-to-week, with the goal of being available to begin the regular season. pic.twitter.com/XzjQtU5DYN
Landon Dickerson’s return gives multiple former Alabama stars a chance at another Super Bowl
The Eagles’ defense was one of the best in the NFL last season, and former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts was stellar in the Super Bowl. Still, Philadelphia’s biggest advantage last season was the offensive line. This offseason, that strength has been weakened.
The offseason began with the departure of right guard Mekhi Becton in free agency. Becton was a former first-round pick of the New York Jets at offensive tackle, but he struggled to establish himself and stay healthy for New York. Bringing him in on a one-year deal, Philadelphia moved him to right guard, where he could dominate in the run game with his overwhelming size and become a crucial piece of Philly’s success.
After that resurgent season, though, Becton signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. His replacement is another former member of the Crimson Tide, Tyler Steen, a 2023 third-round pick. The Eagles could likely withstand the loss of Becton, but if Dickerson were out for the year, the interior of the offensive line would immediately become one of the biggest issues on an otherwise loaded roster.
Dickerson’s projected return is good news for Alabama fans because Steen and Hurts aren’t the only other former members of the Crimson Tide on the roster in Philadelphia. The Eagles have seven former Alabama players on the roster: Devonta Smith, Byron Young, Cameron Latu, Eli Ricks, and this year’s first-round draft pick, Jihaad Campbell (eight if you count Hurts, who ended his collegiate career at Oklahoma).
Dickerson had a dominant career in Tuscaloosa, but fell to the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft because of injury concerns. Since arriving in Philadelphia, he has played 4,552 offensive snaps and started 20 games last season along the Eagles’ Super Bowl run.