Goedert Set to Boost Eagles as He Returns Against Cowboys
Dallas Goedert is poised to make his highly anticipated return to the Philadelphia Eagles lineup, just in time for a pivotal clash against the Dallas Cowboys. The star tight end has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury but is ready to rejoin his teammates on the gridiron.
Dealing with an injury is never easy for any athlete, but Goedert's road to recovery has been swift and strategic. Notably, the Eagles opted against placing him on the injured reserve, hinting at their optimism for a timely recovery. This decision has now paid off as Goedert fully participated in Wednesday's practice, signaling his readiness to return.
A Key Playmaker Returns
Before his injury setback, Goedert was a vital part of the Eagles' offensive arsenal, amassing 24 catches for 301 yards over the season's first five games. His absence left a noticeable gap, yet it also paved the way for backup tight end Grant Calcaterra to step up. Calcaterra did not disappoint, recording 13 catches for 160 yards in Goedert's absence.
Reflecting on his time off the field, Goedert expressed a mix of frustration and motivation. "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 said. Being involved, even in spirit, is crucial for players like Goedert, who emphasized, "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."
Boosting the Eagles' Offensive Arsenal
The Eagles are currently firing on all cylinders, boasting an offense that ranks third in the NFL in points scored per game (31.0) and fifth in yards per game (394.3). A key factor has been the limited time their stars have shared the field. Key offensive players—Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Goedert—have only played together for five quarters this season due to various injuries.
Goedert's return is timely, as teammate A.J. Brown also dealt with a hamstring injury earlier this season, causing him to miss three games. The reunion of the Eagles' offensive stars promises to further elevate their performance.
Goedert sees the silver lining in such situations, particularly focusing on Calcaterra's impressive display. "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," Goedert commented. "He played really well. I'm happy for him because he showed a lot of people what he can do."
Revitalized and Ready
For Goedert, the path to recovery has been as much mental as it is physical. Embracing a positive attitude has been key for him. "It's always frustrating, but you just gotta take what comes to you," he 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."
His determination to stay involved even while recovering speaks volumes about his commitment to the team. "You've been paying attention in meetings, so you know the little nuances of things that we've changed over the few weeks," Goedert said. "For me, it's just looking forward to the day that I get back because that keeps me motivated."
With Goedert back in action, the Eagles and their fans have much to look forward to. His presence, both on and off the field, is sure to be felt as the team aims to maintain its high offensive standards and make a strong push this season. The showdown with the Cowboys marks a critical juncture and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in the Eagles' journey.