Philadelphia Eagles Welcome Dallas Goedert Back Against Cowboys
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up to face the Dallas Cowboys, they are set to welcome the return of tight end Dallas Goedert to their lineup. Goedert's comeback not only replenishes the team’s offensive arsenal but also reinvigorates a squad aiming to maintain its formidable standing in the league.
Goedert has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury that kept him off the field for the past games. Remarkably, he was not placed on injured reserve, a strategic decision by the Eagles reflective of their anticipation for a quick rehabilitation. The tight end confirmed his readiness by participating fully in Wednesday's practice, marking his imminent return to a dynamic offense.
"This was like the latest I wanted to be back," Goedert shared, expressing his eagerness and motivation for his return. "Obviously, I would've loved to be back last week in the Kelly Greens and suit up for that," he added, underscoring the anticipation both he and the team have felt during his recovery period.
Before his injury, Goedert was instrumental to the Eagles' offense, recording 24 catches for 301 yards in the first five games. His absence introduced a spotlight opportunity for Grant Calcaterra, the backup tight end, who seized the chance with impressive performances. Calcaterra contributed 13 catches for 160 yards, ensuring the Eagles' tight end presence remained robust.
Reflecting on Calcaterra’s performance, Goedert noted, "He definitely took advantage of his opportunity. And I'm hoping now with what he did, the 12 personnel with me and him, our package can grow, and we can get a little more pass game out of it while continuing the run game that we've had in the past. He played really well. I'm happy for him because he showed a lot of people what he can do."
The Eagles' offensive unit is among the NFL's elite, ranking third in points scored per game (31.0) and fifth in yards per game (394.3). The return of Goedert, alongside talents like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith, is a development the Eagles hope will elevate their already stellar performances. Goedert acknowledged the challenges of being sidelined, stating, "You feel like you're an important piece, and when you go down, nothing stops. Everything's gotta keep moving."
During his recovery, Goedert remained positive and focused on maintaining top physical condition. "It's always frustrating, but you just gotta take what comes to you," he explained. "I never want to be injured, but you just gotta make sure you keep a positive attitude, and when you get back that you're in the best shape that you can be in." His commitment to staying engaged with the team ensured he remained aligned with any tactical adjustments made during his absence. "You've been paying attention in meetings, so you know the little nuances of things that we've changed over the few weeks. For me, it's just looking forward to the day that I get back because that keeps me motivated," Goedert elaborated.
The upcoming match against the Cowboys represents more than just another game; it's a chance for Goedert to reintegrate and impact a critical divisional encounter. This season, key players like A.J. Brown have also dealt with similar setbacks, with Brown missing three games earlier in the season due to his own hamstring issues. The Eagles' quartet of Hurts, Barkley, Brown, Smith, and Goedert has only shared the field for five quarters this season—a tantalizing glimpse of a potentially explosive lineup.
As the Eagles prepare to take the field against their Dallas rivals, Goedert is poised to reaffirm his importance within one of the NFL's top offenses. His return not only underscores his resilience and professional dedication but also solidifies the Eagles' position as formidable contenders in their relentless push for success.