The Philadelphia Eagles will have to wait another week before opening its Christmas present.

On Saturday, the Eagles did not elect to activate tight end Dallas Goedert from its Injured Reserve list for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

Eagles did not activate TE Dallas Goedert today, so he is not eligible to play Sunday at Chicago. Goedert still is on track to return from his shoulder injury, it’s just not expected to be until next Saturday at Dallas.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2022

A key to the Eagles’ passing attack, Goedert was placed on IR after suffering a shoulder injury in the team’s Week 10 loss to the Washington Commanders. He will use this extra week of rest as he continues to heal from a glenoid fracture in his shoulder.

Goedert will miss his fifth straight game on Sunday, though the Eagles did welcome him back to practice this week.

Dallas Goedert back at practice this week. pic.twitter.com/Z7O6XeqYaj

— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) December 15, 2022

When he’s on the field, Goedert provides an athletic safety blanket with run after the catch ability for quarterback Jalen Hurts. He also commands attention from the defense, freeing up A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith to make plays down the field.

It’s important that when Goedert returns he does so at 100 percent. He will be a critical piece as the postseason draws nearer. While he won’t be suiting up this week, it seems likely that he could make his long awaited return for the Christmas Eve showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.

Featured image via Chris Pedota, Northjersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK