The Philadelphia Eagles are set to receive a significant boost as tight end Dallas Goedert prepares to return to the field against division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Goedert's return marks the end of his recovery from a hamstring injury, an ailment that sidelined him but did not warrant a stint on injured reserve, suggesting the Eagles were optimistic about his recovery timeline.
Return from Injury
The tight end took part in full practice on Wednesday, an encouraging sign for a team that has contended with multiple injuries this season. Even as Goedert rehabilitated, he made it a point to stay in shape and maintain a positive attitude. "It's always frustrating, but you just gotta take what comes to you," Goedert shared. "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."
Before his untimely injury, Goedert had been a crucial component of the Eagles' high-octane offense, hauling in 24 catches for 301 yards in just the first five games. His absence was felt, but backup tight end Grant Calcaterra stepped up in Goedert's stead, collecting 13 catches for 160 yards.
Impact on the Eagles' Offense
The Eagles currently rank third in the NFL in points scored per game (31.0) and fifth in yards per game (394.3), statistics that underscore the offensive prowess the team has exhibited, even in the face of injuries. A.J. Brown, another key offensive weapon, similarly battled a hamstring injury earlier in the season, missing three games. Despite these setbacks, Brown, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts and standout teammates Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and Goedert, have only shared the field together for a mere five quarters this season.
Goedert's participation against Dallas comes at a critical juncture. "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 expressed, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the game. "This was the game we knew for sure that I would be good, and we're tracking in the right direction."
Looking Beyond the Box Score
While Goedert is eager to rejoin the team's offensive unit, he also acknowledged the performances during his absence. "He definitely took advantage of his opportunity," he said regarding Calcaterra's contributions. "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's return not only augments the Eagles' passing attack but also bolsters their versatility in offensive formations. His insights during his recovery underscored the importance of staying mentally engaged. "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 revealed.
As the Eagles prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys, Goedert is eager to make his mark once more. His return is a testament to his resilience and dedication, attributes that not only bolster his individual performance but also uplift the overall dynamics of a team with championship aspirations. With Goedert back in action, the Eagles will aim to continue their dominant run in the NFC East, leveraging the full strength of their roster in pursuit of further success.