Eagles’ Dallas Goedert Ready for Return Against Cowboys
As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to reignite their rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys, tight end Dallas Goedert gears up for his much-anticipated return. Having been sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Eagles’ offense is eager to welcome back one of their key playmakers in Sunday’s crucial matchup.
Goedert's recovery has been swift, thanks in part to the team's strategy of not placing him on injured reserve. This decision underscored the Eagles' optimism for a quick rehabilitation process, a hope that has now materialized as Goedert fully participated in Wednesday’s practice session.
Before succumbing to the injury, the talented tight end was posting impressive statistics, with 24 catches for 301 yards in the season's opening five games. His absence, however, opened the door for backup tight end Grant Calcaterra, who stepped up admirably with 13 catches for 160 yards. Goedert acknowledged the significance of Calcaterra's contributions during his time on the sidelines, saying, “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 offense, ranked third in the NFL in points scored per game (31.0) and fifth in yards per game (394.3), has certainly missed the dynamic capabilities of Goedert. With his return, quarterback Jalen Hurts will have another potent weapon at his disposal, complementing a strong roster that includes wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Brown, who also dealt with a hamstring issue earlier this season, understands the challenges of recovery all too well. Despite these setbacks, the Eagles have maintained their high-octane offense, a testament to their depth and resilience.
For Goedert, the return to action is both a relief and an opportunity. “This was like the latest I wanted to be back. Obviously, I would've loved to be back last week in the Kelly Greens and suit up for that,” shared Goedert, reflecting on his eagerness to reunite with his teammates on the field. His words exude a sense of urgency to contribute once more to the squad’s success: “This was the game we knew for sure that I would be good, and we're tracking in the right direction.”
During his recovery, maintaining a positive mindset has been crucial for Goedert. “It's always frustrating, but you just gotta take what comes to you. 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,” he explained. His mental fortitude has been as critical as his physical rehabilitation, ensuring he remained engaged with the team dynamics and strategic developments. “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,” he added.
With only five quarters on the field this season alongside Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Brown, Smith, and himself, Goedert is particularly keen to maximize the potential of this formidable unit against the Cowboys. He expressed his enthusiasm to rejoin the roster and contribute to their ongoing success: “You feel like you're an important piece, and when you go down, nothing stops. Everything's gotta keep moving. You just get put on the back burner, but it just makes you hungry to be back out there, especially with the success we've had and the amount of fun the guys have been having. I'm excited to be a part of that again.”
Goedert's return is more than just a boost for a single match against a fierce rival; it's a signal that the Eagles are gearing for a strong second half of the season, as they aim to consolidate their ranking in the NFL's offensive hierarchy and push for postseason glory.