Dallas Goedert Set to Return for Eagles Against Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles fans are abuzz with excitement as their starting tight end, Dallas Goedert, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the field in their upcoming clash against the Dallas Cowboys. Goedert, recovering from a nagging hamstring injury, is expected to add a dynamic component back into the Eagles' offensive arsenal.
Recovery and Return
Goedert's journey back to the field has been closely watched, especially since he was not placed on injured reserve, indicating the team's hope for a speedy recovery. The anticipation culminated in his full participation in Wednesday's practice, signaling a strong return to form.
Reflecting on his enforced absence, Goedert expressed frustration. "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," he shared, highlighting his eagerness to rejoin his teammates. "This was the game we knew for sure that I would be good, and we're tracking in the right direction," he added.
Performance Before the Injury
Before his injury sidelined him, Goedert was having a blazing start to the season. In the first five games, he led all tight ends in the league with 24 catches for 301 yards, demonstrating his knack for making significant yards after the catch. His absence was keenly felt, not only by the team and fans but also by Goedert himself, who yearned to contribute to the Eagles' soaring performance.
"You feel like you're an important piece, and when you go down, nothing stops. Everything's gotta keep moving," Goedert remarked. "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."
Admirable Stand-Ins and Offensive Resilience
During Goedert's absence, backup tight end Grant Calcaterra stepped up admirably, recording 13 catches for 160 yards. His performance didn’t go unnoticed, especially by Goedert himself. "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," Goedert praised.
The Eagles' offense has maintained an impressive form even in his absence, ranking third in the NFL in points scored per game (31.0) and fifth in yards per game (394.3). This resilience highlights the depth of talent in the roster and the versatility in their game plan.
A Challenging Season for Injured Eagles
It hasn't just been Goedert who faced time off the field; A.J. Brown also battled a hamstring injury earlier this season, missing three games. The Eagles' lineup has been a revolving door due to injuries, leaving Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Goedert together on the field for only five quarters thus far.
Looking Forward
As Goedert prepares to don the Eagles jersey once more, his focus remains clear. "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." With his return, Eagles fans and teammates alike are hopeful for an even more formidable offensive lineup.
His positive attitude and disciplined approach during his time away have ensured that he is in optimal shape for his return. "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 shared.
As the Eagles prepare to face the Cowboys, Dallas Goedert's return is not just a boost to the team's on-field tactics but also to the morale and spirit of the squad. His readiness to re-engage with the game's dynamics brings hope and anticipation for an exciting showdown as the team looks to continue their successful run this season.