Mekhi Becton's absence spoke volumes in Eagles preseason win over Pats

We can all but put one training camp position battle to rest for the Philadelphia Eagles .

The team rested its top starters on offense during Thursday’s 14-13 preseason win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Most notable was veteran lineman Mekhi Becton getting the night completely off at right guard.

Becton, a former No. 11 overall pick of the New York Jets , has been competing with 2023 third-round pick Tyler Steen for the starting job at right guard. Steen entered Thursday’s game with something to prove . He drew the start, but wound up exiting late in the first quarter with an ankle injury.

After the game, head coach Nick Sirianni wasn’t ready to name Becton the starter, even if the writing’s been on the wall.

“We still have some time to think through some things,” Sirianni said. “No reason to say anything one way or the other right now, because we’re still looking through it. We’ll see.”

Both Becton and Steen were in the starting lineup for the Eagles’ Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens, but Becton notably played on the right side. Becton’s night was finished after only eight snaps. Steen slid over from the left side to the right side and wound up playing 36 snaps total against Baltimore.

After Thursday night, all signs point to the Eagles counting on Becton at right guard to start the regular season.