When Is Dallas Goedert Coming Back - Fantasy Football Injury Return Update for Week 16 (2024)

The Philadelphia Eagles continue their push for the playoffs but will continue to be without one of their most reliable weapons in Dallas Goedert. The veteran tight end has been out since suffering a knee injury in Week 13. Fantasy managers have felt the impact of his absence during the crucial playoff weeks.

The South Dakota State alum was placed on injured reserve after the injury, requiring him to miss at least four games. While eligible to return in Week 18 versus the New York Giants, fantasy managers competing for championships will have to look elsewhere for tight end help.

Week 16 brings a divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders, but Goedert remains unavailable. The Eagles will also be without him for their Week 17 game facing the Dallas Cowboys. What should you do if you were depending on Goedert in the playoffs?

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Dallas Goedert Injury Update for Fantasy Football

The tight end's knee injury in Week 13, taking on the Baltimore Ravens, initially had him labeled as week-to-week. However, the Eagles ultimately placed him on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least four games.

DALLASSSSSSS [GOEDERT] TD IN BALTIMORE 😤@goedert33 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/zEv1PQwwPq

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 1, 2024

This timeline makes him ineligible to return until Week 18, when the Eagles face the Giants. While Goedert is expected to be ready for the NFL playoffs, fantasy managers in playoff contention will not benefit from his return.

The veteran TE has dealt with multiple injuries this season, missing time earlier in the year as well. In his absence, the Eagles have relied on backup tight end Grant Calcaterra, who has stepped up in critical moments but lacks Goedert's consistency and upside.

Dallas Goedert Fantasy Football Outlook

Without Goedert, fantasy managers must look to alternatives at tight end for the playoffs. Calcaterra has shown flashes, including a touchdown in Week 14 facing the Carolina Panthers, where he scored 10.6 PPR points.

However, he saw just one target in Week 15's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Calcaterra will see more playing time with Goedert out, he is better suited as a depth piece rather than a primary option.

Eagles Tight End Grant Calcaterra hauled in his first NFL TD on a 4-yard reception.
He has some of the best hands on the team this season. He has made 20 receptions on 23 targets.
Grant continues to step up in Dallas Goedert’s absence.pic.twitter.com/rLzAQNw61d

— David (@PHLEagleNews) December 9, 2024

If you are searching for waiver-wire help, consider players like Hunter Henry, Pat Freiermuth, Noah Gray, Mike Gesicki, or Brenton Strange.

Strange is especially intriguing after corralling 11-of-12 targets for 73 yards in Week 15. He faces the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16, a defense giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. If Goedert's absence leaves a gap in your lineup, Strange could be a viable option with volume and a promising matchup.

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