Is Dallas Goedert Playing Today? The Mystery Behind the Eagles TE’s Slow Week 12 Start
It’s Sunday afternoon, and you’re glued to your fantasy football lineup, coffee in hand, when you notice something odd: Dallas Goedert’s stats are looking… underwhelming. No catches. No yards. Just a big, confusing zero. What’s going on? Is he even on the field?
If you’re an Eagles fan—or just a fantasy manager riding the emotional rollercoaster that is the 2023 NFL season—you’ve probably asked yourself: Is Dallas Goedert playing today? And more importantly, why does one of the league’s most reliable tight ends look like he’s stuck in neutral during Week 12?
Let’s break down the mystery, from injury whispers to strategic puzzles, and figure out what’s really happening with Goedert. (Spoiler: It’s not just bad luck.)
The Big Question: Is Dallas Goedert Actually Playing?
First things first: Yes, Dallas Goedert is active for Week 12. He suited up, he’s on the field, and he’s technically "playing." But if you’re staring at a stat line that looks like it belongs to a practice squad rookie, you’re not alone in your confusion.
The real question isn’t whether he’s playing—it’s whether he’s healthy, whether the Eagles’ game plan has shifted, or if something else is quietly sabotaging his performance. Let’s dig into the most likely culprits.
1. The Lingering Injury Shadow
Goedert’s 2023 season has been a masterclass in playing through pain. After missing time earlier in the year with a forearm injury (courtesy of a brutal hit against the Bucs), he’s been on the field—but not at 100%. Forearm issues for a tight end are like a pianist with a sprained wrist: you can still play, but the precision isn’t there.
In Week 12, reports suggested he was dealing with tightness in his hamstring, a classic "maintenance day" injury that teams often downplay. But in the NFL, even a 10% dip in explosiveness can turn a dominant tight end into a non-factor—especially when the opposing defense smells blood in the water.
Fantasy Impact: If Goedert is truly limited by injuries, his red-zone targets (where he usually feasts) will dry up. That’s bad news for managers counting on his usual 6-8 points.
2. The Jalen Hurts Run Game Is Eating His Lunch
Here’s a fun fact: The Eagles’ offense in 2023 is like a buffet where Jalen Hurts keeps going back for seconds on the quarterback sneak. Hurts is on pace to shatter NFL records for QB rushes, and while that’s great for his MVP campaign, it’s terrible for Goedert’s target share.
In Week 12 against the Bills, the Eagles ran the ball 32 times compared to just 28 pass attempts. When your team is committed to ground-and-pound, tight ends—even elite ones—become block-first, catch-second players. Goedert’s role shifts from "matchup nightmare" to "extra lineman with occasional hands."
By the Numbers:
- Goedert’s targets in Weeks 10-12: 3, 5, 2 (a far cry from his 2022 average of 6.5 per game).
- Eagles’ red-zone pass attempts in Week 12: 4 (Goedert saw 0).
- Jalen Hurts’ rushing yards in Week 12: 61 (more than some starting RBs).
3. The Opposing Defense Has a "Goedert Plan"
Buffalo’s defense in Week 12 wasn’t just good—they were prepared. Teams have started treating Goedert like a top-tier receiver, assigning linebackers or safeties to shadow him in man coverage. Why? Because even at 80%, he’s a mismatch waiting to happen.
The result? Fewer easy catches over the middle, more contested throws, and a whole lot of frustration. When defenses take away your bread-and-butter routes (hello, 10-yard outs), a tight end’s production can vanish overnight.
What This Means for Fantasy and the Eagles’ Offense
If you’re a fantasy manager, Goedert’s Week 12 performance probably had you yelling at your TV. But before you bench him for good, let’s talk strategy.
For Fantasy Managers: Hold or Fold?
Hold—but temper expectations. Goedert’s talent is undeniable, but his floor is now lower than ever thanks to:
- Injury risk: He’s playing through pain, and one bad hit could sideline him.
- Game script dependence: If the Eagles are winning, they’ll run the ball. If they’re losing, they’ll throw—but not necessarily to Goedert.
- Matchup sensitivity: Against elite defenses (like the 49ers or Cowboys), he’s a risky start.
Best-case scenario: He gets a soft matchup (hello, Giants in Week 16) and reminds everyone why he’s a top-5 TE. Worst-case: The injuries pile up, and he becomes a TD-dependent flex play.
For Eagles Fans: Should You Be Worried?
Not yet. The Eagles’ offense is designed to be unpredictable, and Goedert’s quiet games often precede explosions (see: his 2-TD game in Week 9). But if this trend continues, it could signal a bigger issue:
- Over-reliance on Hurts’ legs: Defenses will eventually force Philly to pass. If Goedert isn’t part of that plan, who is?
- Drops and timing issues: Goedert had a rare drop in Week 12—a sign that his usual chemistry with Hurts might be off.
Bottom line: The Eagles don’t need Goedert to win games right now. But if they want to go deep in the playoffs, they’ll need him at full strength.
What’s Next for Goedert? 3 Things to Watch
So, what should you keep an eye on in the coming weeks? Here’s your scouting report:
1. The Injury Report (Read Between the Lines)
NFL injury reports are written in code. If Goedert is listed as "limited" in practice, assume he’s playing at 70%. If he’s "full participation," he’s likely closer to 85%. Watch for:
- Hamstring tightness: Lingering issues could turn into a multi-week problem.
- Forearm protection: If he’s wearing extra padding, he’s not fully healed.
2. The Eagles’ Red-Zone Strategy
Goedert lives for the red zone. If the Eagles start throwing more fade routes to A.J. Brown or handing off to D’Andre Swift near the goal line, Goedert’s value takes a hit. Track where the targets go in Weeks 13-14.
3. The Opposing Defense’s Game Plan
Teams like the 49ers and Cowboys will bracket Goedert. But against weaker defenses (Giants, Cardinals), he should feast. Matchup matters more than ever.
Final Verdict: Is Goedert a Buy-Low Candidate?
If you’re in a fantasy league, now might be the time to trade for Goedert at a discount. His name value is still high, but his frustrated managers might sell low. In redraft leagues, he’s a hold—his playoff schedule (@NYG, vs. ARI) is too juicy to drop.
For Eagles fans? Don’t panic, but don’t ignore the warning signs. This team is built to win now, and if Goedert’s injuries are worse than they’re letting on, Philly might need to adjust—fast.
💡 Pro Tip: Follow the Eagles’ official Twitter for real-time updates on Goedert’s status. They’re usually vague, but reading between the lines can give you an edge.
Let’s Hear From You
Are you a fantasy manager riding the Goedert rollercoaster? An Eagles fan with a theory about his slow start? Drop a comment below and let’s decode this mystery together.
And if you’re hungry for more Eagles insights, check out these deep dives:
- Jalen Hurts’ MVP Case: Why His Legs Are Changing the Game
- Eagles’ Playoff Push: 3 Key Matchups That Will Define Their Season
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Who to Pick Up If Goedert Keeps Struggling
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