The Philadelphia Eagles head into Monday night’s divisional clash against the Dallas Cowboys managing a heavily populated injury report, though veteran tight end Dallas Goedert has been cleared to play after returning as a full participant in Saturday’s practice.
Goedert missed Friday’s workout due to a knee issue that he reaggravated during last week’s matchup against the Panthers on the pass interference penalty that moved the Eagles into the red zone. The ninth-year tight end previously sustained a knee injury against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2, forcing him to miss two games before returning in Week 5.
“It’s just kind of the same injury that I sustained earlier. I just had a little bit of inflammation in there, had to let that settle down, but felt really good running out there today,” Goedert said following Saturday’s session. “I want to be out there anytime I can. We only get 17 games. To miss a game, to miss two games, it always stinks. So if I can be available, I’m going to do everything I can to play.”
While Goedert provides a boost for quarterback Tanner McKee’s offense, the receiving corps faces steep challenges. Top wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) have both been ruled out for the contest. Their absences thrust rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon into an expanded role as a primary receiving option.
“It’s definitely a big opportunity with the team,” Lemon said. “I’m just super excited to go out there with the guys, put on a good performance. Had a great week of practice with all the guys. So, just trying to go out there and execute. A couple guys are out. So really just, next man up.”
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown (ankle) participated fully in Saturday’s practice and represents an additional passing option. Meanwhile, running back Saquon Barkley made progress by logging a full practice following limited sessions earlier in the week, though he is officially listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.
The defensive front also deals with critical uncertainty. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard did not practice Saturday due to an ankle injury and remains questionable, with his availability hinging on a game-time decision.
“It’s one of those ankle sprains. Sometimes they are good, sometimes they can just linger on and just little stuff like that,” Greenard said. “I haven’t dealt with an ankle sprain this long in an instance, but I do see a light in the tunnel.”
The outside linebacker position remains depleted as Jalyx Hunt is listed as questionable with knee and ankle ailments after limited participation throughout the week. However, fellow linebacker Nolan Smith has been officially ruled out due to a concussion, alongside defensive back Michael Carter II, who did not participate due to an abdominal issue.
Additionally, four players currently on Injured Reserve—cornerback Jakorian Bennett (knee), tight end Grant Calcaterra (back), guard Landon Dickerson (knee and pectoral), and tight end Eli Stowers (quad)—participated fully in practice on Saturday. Each must be activated by Monday afternoon if they are to suit up against Dallas.
Across the field, the Cowboys enter Monday’s matchup monitoring their own roster concerns. Tackle Drew Shelton (hamstring), wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (ribs), and linebacker Dee Winters (calf) did not participate in practice. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Marist Liufau (forearm) was a full participant, and safety P.J. Locke (foot) was limited; both players reside on Injured Reserve and require activation to play.
