The Philadelphia Eagles entered Thursday night’s season opener with high hopes and heavy expectations. But as the game stretched into the fourth quarter, the team was hit with yet another gut punch: left guard Landon Dickerson, one of the anchors of their offensive line, was forced to exit after aggravating a back injury.

Dickerson, who already fought through a grueling recovery from knee surgery just weeks earlier, now faces yet another uncertain timeline. For a team priding itself on dominance in the trenches, the sight of their Pro Bowl guard limping off was the last thing fans wanted to see.

From Knee Surgery to Back Trouble

Just three weeks ago, Dickerson underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. At the time, doubts swirled about whether he would be ready in time for Week 1. Against the odds, he returned to full participation by midweek and suited up Thursday, showing trademark grit and toughness.

But grit can only go so far. Late in the fourth quarter, disaster struck when running back Saquon Barkley collided into the back of Dickerson during a rushing attempt. The awkward hit left the lineman visibly shaken and unable to continue.

Medical staff quickly escorted him into the X-ray room for evaluation, and Brett Toth was called in as his replacement. Within moments, the Eagles’ offensive line—which had been hyped as one of the most complete units in football—looked suddenly vulnerable.

“Questionable to Return”

The official update from the Eagles was terse: Landon Dickerson is questionable to return with a back injury.

That single line sent shockwaves through the fan base. Not only had Dickerson been battling his way back from a knee procedure, but the back issue now adds another layer of concern. Offensive linemen rely heavily on lower back stability for leverage, balance, and explosiveness in the trenches. Any lingering back problem could derail his season—or, at the very least, limit his effectiveness.

A Crucial Cog in Philly’s Machine

Dickerson is no ordinary lineman. At 6-foot-6, 333 pounds, he’s become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive identity: a punishing, physical blocker who thrives in both pass protection and run schemes. Last season, he earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod and was widely considered one of the NFL’s most underrated guards.

For quarterback Jalen Hurts, Dickerson has been a critical protector, keeping the pocket clean and paving lanes for the Eagles’ versatile ground game. Without him, Philadelphia may have to shuffle personnel, leaning on depth players like Brett Toth or even adjusting positions across the line to compensate.

The Injury Bug Hits Again

This isn’t the first time Dickerson has faced adversity. His college career at Alabama was marred by multiple injuries, including ACL tears and ankle surgeries. Since entering the NFL, he’s continued to deal with bumps and bruises but had largely established himself as a reliable presence.

The sequence Thursday night, however, was especially cruel. To fight his way back from knee surgery only to tweak his back in the first game of the season feels like a nightmare scenario—for Dickerson, his teammates, and Eagles fans alike.

Locker Room Reaction

While the Eagles have not yet issued a detailed medical update, teammates were visibly concerned on the sidelines. Barkley himself, who accidentally triggered the injury during the collision, appeared frustrated and immediately checked on Dickerson.

Head coach Nick Sirianni declined to speculate on severity postgame but acknowledged the importance of keeping his line healthy. “We’ll see where Landon’s at after testing,” Sirianni said. “He’s a tough guy, he’s worked incredibly hard to get back already, but we’ll make the best decision for him and for the team.”

What’s Next?

The Eagles’ schedule offers little time for recovery. With divisional matchups looming, Sirianni and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland will need to quickly assess whether Dickerson can play through discomfort or if the team must prepare for weeks without him.

If sidelined, Brett Toth would likely see extended snaps. The Eagles could also look to shuffle the interior, potentially sliding Cam Jurgens or Tyler Steen depending on availability and matchups. Still, there’s no sugarcoating it: losing Dickerson would be a major downgrade.

The bigger concern? Long-term durability. Back injuries are notoriously tricky, often flaring up unpredictably even after rest. For a lineman who relies on sheer torque and leverage, lingering pain could compromise both his effectiveness and his career trajectory.

Fan Reactions

On social media, Eagles fans expressed a mix of heartbreak and frustration.

“First the knee, now the back. Guy can’t catch a break,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Another wrote: “We can’t afford this. Landon is the heart of the line. Hurts won’t last a season without him.”

The concern isn’t just about one game—it’s about protecting the Eagles’ franchise quarterback and sustaining their offensive rhythm for the long haul.

Final Word

For now, all eyes remain on Dickerson’s test results. The hope is that Thursday night’s injury proves minor and precautionary. But if not, the Eagles may face their first major adversity of the season just one week in.

Landon Dickerson’s return from knee surgery was supposed to be a story of perseverance. Instead, it has turned into yet another chapter in a career marked by resilience tested under fire. The Eagles—and their fans—can only hope that resilience wins again.