The Philadelphia Eagles will face a significant challenge this Sunday as tight end Dallas Goedert has officially been ruled out for their Week 14 matchup. The 28-year-old is dealing with a knee injury that will keep him sidelined for the critical game against the NFC East rival New York Giants.
Goedert, who has been a key component of the Eagles’ offense this season, was injured during last week’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers. While the Eagles were able to come away with a crucial win, Goedert’s absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field. The tight end has been an essential target in the passing game, with 45 receptions for 544 yards and three touchdowns so far in 2024. His ability to block and create mismatches as both a receiver and an in-line tight end has made him one of the league’s more complete players at the position.
With Goedert out, the Eagles will likely rely on backup tight ends Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra to step up. Stoll, who has been the primary backup throughout the season, has been solid in his limited role but will need to take on more responsibility in Goedert’s absence. Meanwhile, Calcaterra, a second-year player out of SMU, could see an increased workload as well. The Eagles’ coaching staff will need to get creative with their game plan, especially in the red zone, where Goedert has been a frequent target.
While the Eagles’ offense has several weapons at their disposal, including wide receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, the loss of Goedert still puts a dent in their overall game plan. Jalen Hurts will need to adjust without his favorite safety valve in the middle of the field, and the tight end position will likely play a more complementary role moving forward.
As for the severity of the injury, there is no official word yet on how long Goedert might be out. Given the nature of knee injuries, the Eagles will be cautious with his recovery to ensure he’s ready for the postseason, as the team remains one of the top contenders in the NFC.
The Eagles have shown remarkable depth throughout the season, but this is a setback they would have preferred to avoid, especially in a game where every victory is critical for playoff positioning. Sunday’s game against the Giants will be a test of how well Philadelphia can adapt and continue their strong play without one of their key offensive contributors.
Stay tuned for updates as the Eagles continue to navigate through the regular season with a focus on making a deep playoff run.
