Philadelphia Eagles left guard Landon Dickerson, 27, faces uncertainty about returning for the next NFL season amid longstanding injury troubles. Despite recently signing a lucrative four-year, $84 million contract extension in 2024, ongoing health issues have triggered speculation that Dickerson might retire alongside veteran teammate Lane Johnson. His injury history dates back to his college years at Florida State, raising questions about his ability to sustain the physical demands of professional football.
A Closer Look at Landon Dickerson’s Injury Background Through the Years
College Career Disrupted by Repeated Knee and Ankle Injuries
During his freshman season at Florida State, Dickerson started the first seven games before suffering a significant right knee ACL tear in 2016, prematurely ending his campaign. The following year, his sophomore season was cut short after only four games due to a severe ankle injury. Then, in his junior year, a left ankle sprain limited him to just two games, which led to him taking a medical redshirt to recover. Seeking a fresh start, Dickerson transferred to Alabama for his final two collegiate seasons.
While at Alabama, he endured another devastating setback, tearing his left knee ACL during the 2020 SEC Championship game versus Florida. Even so, Dickerson demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning to participate in the final snap of Alabama’s national championship victory over Ohio State, which ended 52-24.
Professional Challenges Marked by Knee, Ankle, and Back Injuries
In the 2025 postseason, Dickerson suffered a left knee injury late in the NFC Championship game yet pushed through the pain to play in Super Bowl LIX, helping the Eagles claim the title. Subsequent examinations revealed the injury required surgical intervention. During the 2025 preseason camp, he then sustained a meniscus tear in his right knee during an open practice session. Despite needing surgery, Dickerson returned to training within two weeks, making himself available for the regular season opener.
Throughout the same season, he struggled with persistent back issues that limited his participation in team practices. Additionally, he exited early during a matchup against the Denver Broncos because of an ankle problem, ultimately missing the rest of the game. The accumulation of ankle and knee strains, surgeries, and back ailments paints a concerning picture of his physical state.
Implications of Longstanding Injuries on His Career Prospects
Landon Dickerson has consistently battled lower-body injuries since his early days in college, including multiple ACL tears and ankle sprains. Though he has not publicly confirmed any intention to retire, rumors are mounting that he may be considering stepping away from football. This development could significantly impact the Philadelphia Eagles, who rely heavily on his presence on the offensive line, especially as franchise icon Lane Johnson contemplates his own future decisions.
