Dallas Goedert started the season as one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends, leading the league’s tight ends with five catches of 20+ yards over the first four weeks and ranking second in yards per catch (12.4) among tight ends with at least 10 receptions. When Goedert went down with an injury, Grant Calcaterra stepped in and has been impressively productive, mirroring Goedert’s impact on the field.
In the last three weeks, Calcaterra has recorded four catches of 19 yards—second only to George Kittle—and is averaging a league-high 15.5 yards per catch among tight ends with at least 10 catches. Calcaterra’s ability to pick up big chunks of yardage has helped maintain the Eagles’ tight end presence in their offense during Goedert’s absence, giving the team a valuable target downfield.
Grant Calcaterra’s rise with the Philadelphia Eagles has been impressive. With Dallas Goedert sidelined by a hamstring injury, Calcaterra has stepped up, delivering big plays and showcasing his versatility. Since Goedert’s absence, Calcaterra has made nine catches for 156 yards, including long gains of 15, 19, 20, 26, 28, and 34 yards. This surge in production comes from a player who, just a month ago, averaged only 4.5 yards per game.
Calcaterra attributes some of his recent success to the attention drawn by A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson, which has opened up space for him underneath, as well as the Eagles’ strong play-action game. “It’s great to have some explosive plays,” Calcaterra said, crediting his teammates and offensive scheme for creating opportunities.
Together with Goedert and Jack Stoll, Calcaterra has helped the Eagles’ tight end group amass 36 catches for 497 yards, on pace for 1,207 yards this season—production matched by only a handful of NFL teams. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore praised Calcaterra’s route-running and reliability, noting that his impact has been especially valuable in the passing game.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni also praised Calcaterra’s route-running, quickness, and ability to finish plays after the catch, attributing part of Calcaterra’s progress to his close observation of Goedert’s playing style. This connection with Goedert has seemingly helped Calcaterra refine his game.
Calcaterra’s journey to this point is remarkable. After suffering multiple concussions at Oklahoma, he retired from football, only to later return and play at SMU. Drafted in the sixth round in 2022, he’s become an invaluable part of the Eagles’ offense. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts acknowledged Calcaterra’s resilience, saying, “I always pray for his health… this was a game that he was ready to walk away from, and he came back.”
With Dallas Goedert out, Grant Calcaterra has proven himself capable of filling a key offensive role for the Eagles. While Jack Stoll remains the team’s go-to blocking tight end in 12 personnel, Calcaterra has earned a consistent presence in the offense. This development suggests that even when Goedert returns, Calcaterra’s role may be more significant than it was previously.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts has expressed full confidence in Calcaterra, underscoring their strong rapport and years of chemistry-building. “He’s always been that guy,” Hurts noted, adding that their familiarity on the field has only grown over time. Hurts believes that Calcaterra will “continue to show up,” indicating that he’s a reliable option as the Eagles make their push toward the playoffs.
Calcaterra’s emergence, alongside Stoll’s blocking ability, strengthens the Eagles’ tight end depth and gives them additional flexibility in their offensive sets, making this unit one of the more dynamic in the league.