The Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 2 trip to the Kansas City Chiefs comes with a major lineup headline at tight end, and it’s already on the record. Philadelphia has made its call on Dallas Goedert, and the ripple effects touch red-zone plans, third downs, and how the Eagles replace one of Jalen Hurts’ most trusted targets.
Is Dallas Goedert Playing in Week 2?
The Eagles ruled out Dallas Goedert (knee) on Friday after he did not practice all week. Head coach Nick Sirianni signaled confidence in the depth behind him, with Grant Calcaterra in line to start. Sirianni also name-checked Kylen Granson and practice-squad options (Cam Latu, E.J. Jenkins) as part of the contingency at tight end.
Philadelphia’s final Week 2 injury report also ruled out RB Will Shipley (oblique), while QB Tanner McKee (right thumb) is questionable. If McKee can’t go, the Eagles would need to elevate a practice squad quarterback to back up Jalen Hurts. Pro Bowl G Landon Dickerson (back) and OLB Jalyx Hunt (hip) carry no game status after practicing fully to close the week.
TE Dallas Goedert (knee) out Sunday at Chiefs pic.twitter.com/pbu77RVzth
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2025
On the other sideline, the Chiefs ruled out WR Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and WR Jalen Royals (knee). Everyone else practiced fully and carries no game designation for Sunday.
Fantasy and availability trackers have echoed the team announcement: Goedert is out for Week 2 vs. the Chiefs.
What Does Goedert’s Absence Mean for Eagles vs. Chiefs?
Expect Philadelphia to spread the replacement across roles rather than force one-for-one production. Calcaterra handled 37 offensive snaps in Week 1 and started 13 games last season (24 receptions, 298 yards, 1 TD), giving the staff a plug-and-play option for in-line and quick-game duties. Sirianni’s praise of the room suggests Granson will factor in personnel groupings, while Latu and Jenkins remain elevation candidates depending on special teams and red-zone packages.
Without Goedert’s chain-moving presence, targets can condense to A.J. Brown and the perimeter receivers, with running backs picking up some of the short-area volume. Sirianni and his coordinators emphasized that special-teams depth will be handled internally, with roster elevations expected if Shipley remains sidelined.
Devonta Smith has played 17 games WITHOUT Dallas Goedert in his career.
In those games he sees a…
31% increase in half ppr scoring
11% increase in receptions
64% increase in TDs
8% increase in targets
28% increase in receiving yards— Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) September 13, 2025
Up front, Dickerson’s full participation by week’s end steadies protection and the run game. If Philadelphia leans more toward 11 personnel, Calcaterra/Granson usage will likely toggle by situation: Calcaterra for pass pro and stick routes, Granson for motion and spacing elements. The QB2 status (McKee questionable) doesn’t affect Hurts’ workload but does shape emergency planning on a short week of prep.
For Kansas City, the absence of Worthy and the Royals trims vertical speed and depth at receiver, potentially tightening the Chiefs’ formation usage and raising the importance of their backs and tight ends in the intermediate game. Philadelphia’s defense can adjust coverage leverage accordingly without needing to respect Worthy’s top-end speed over the top.
Goedert is officially out, Calcaterra is first up, and the Eagles will mix personnel to replace a core piece of their third-down and red-zone script, all while both teams navigate notable absences at the skill spots.
