Eagles Place Dallas Goedert on Injured Reserve; TE Planned for Healthy Return in Playoffs
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Philadelphia Eagles have placed tight end Dallas Goedert on injured reserve with a knee injury, the team announced Monday. The move is a significant blow to the Eagles’ offense, as Goedert is one of quarterback Jalen Hurts’ favorite targets.
Goedert suffered the injury in the Eagles’ Week 14 win over the New York Giants. He underwent an MRI on Monday, which revealed a sprained MCL. The Eagles are hopeful that Goedert will be able to return for the playoffs, but he is expected to miss the team’s final three regular season games.
“We’re going to take it day by day with Dallas,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said. “We’re hopeful that he’ll be back for the playoffs, but we’re not going to rush him back. We want to make sure he’s 100% healthy before he returns to the field.”
Goedert has been a key part of the Eagles’ offense this season. He has caught 43 passes for 544 yards and three touchdowns. He is also a valuable blocker in the running game.
“Dallas is a big part of our offense,” Hurts said. “He’s a great target for me, and he’s also a great blocker. We’re going to miss him, but we know he’ll be back soon.”
The Eagles will have to find a way to replace Goedert’s production in the passing game. Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra are the two most likely candidates to step into Goedert’s role.
Stoll has caught 11 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns this season. Calcaterra has caught six passes for 66 yards and one touchdown.
“We have a lot of confidence in Jack and Grant,” Sirianni said. “They’re both talented players, and they’re ready to step up and contribute.”
The Eagles are currently 13-1 and have already clinched the NFC East division title. They are in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, which would give them a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The Eagles will face the Chicago Bears on Sunday in Week 15. They will then travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys in Week 16 and host the New Orleans Saints in Week 17.
Goedert’s Injury History
Goedert has a history of knee injuries. He missed the first four games of the 2020 season with a calf injury. He also missed two games in 2021 with a knee injury.
The Eagles are hopeful that Goedert’s latest knee injury is not as serious as his previous injuries. However, they are taking a cautious approach with his recovery.
“We’re not going to rush Dallas back,” Sirianni said. “We want to make sure he’s 100% healthy before he returns to the field.”
Impact on the Eagles’ Offense
Goedert’s absence will have a significant impact on the Eagles’ offense. He is one of Hurts’ favorite targets, and he is also a valuable blocker in the running game.
The Eagles will have to find a way to replace Goedert’s production in the passing game. Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra are the two most likely candidates to step into Goedert’s role.
“We have a lot of confidence in Jack and Grant,” Sirianni said. “They’re both talented players, and they’re ready to step up and contribute.”
The Eagles will also need to adjust their blocking schemes in the running game. Goedert is a good blocker, and his absence will make it more difficult for the Eagles to run the ball effectively.
“We’re going to have to find a way to replace Dallas’s blocking,” Sirianni said. “We’re going to have to be more creative with our schemes, and we’re going to have to ask our other tight ends to step up.”
The Eagles are confident that they can overcome Goedert’s absence and make a deep run in the playoffs. However, his injury is a significant blow to their offense.