When the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs meet for a much-hyped Super Bowl LIX rematch this Sunday, both sides will be without vital weapons, creating a new layer of unpredictability for two of the NFL’s most talented rosters.
The Eagles confirmed that tight end Dallas Goedert will miss the game due to a sprained knee, depriving Jalen Hurts of one of his most reliable options in the passing game.
It’s an all-too-familiar situation for Philadelphia, as Goedert also missed significant time last season. But the timing of this injury, just one week into the new campaign, could disrupt the Eagles’ offensive rhythm at a critical early juncture.
Meanwhile, Kansas City is dealing with its own lineup concerns. Second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy is considered doubtful after sustaining a shoulder injury in Week 1, and with Rashee Rice still suspended, Patrick Mahomes finds himself short on trusted targets for one of the season’s most anticipated matchups.
Goedert‘s absence forces the Eagles to shift their offensive setup, turning to fourth-year backup Grant Calcaterra. The former SMU standout started 13 games last season in place of an injured Goedert and has shown promise as a capable fill-in.
“I feel more and more comfortable every time I step on the field,” Calcaterra said. “Over the past few years, I’ve learned how to react quicker, read defenses, and just do my job more efficiently.”
While not the focal point of Philadelphia’s passing game, Goedert still plays a critical role in stretching defenses and creating space for stars like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
In the Eagles’ Week 1 win over Dallas, he tallied seven catches for 44 yards, a modest but important contribution to the team’s 24-20 victory.
Calcaterra will be backed up by Kylen Granson, a recent addition from Indianapolis, and possibly one of the practice squad options, E.J. Jenkins or Cam Latu. Granson spoke about how tight ends in the league are constantly adapting and learning from each other.
“I’ve been fortunate to pick things up from veterans like Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox in Indy,” Granson said. “Now, learning from guys like Dallas and Grant, I just try to add tools to my game every week.”
Chiefs scramble to replace firepower
While the Eagles have contingency plans in place, the Chiefs face a trickier path. Worthy‘s shoulder injury leaves Mahomes with a depleted receiving corps.
With Rice unavailable and Travis Kelce still working his way back to full fitness after an offseason procedure, Kansas City’s passing game looks increasingly fragile.
“He’s doing very well, all the signs are positive,” Andy Reid said of Worthy during a press conference. “But it’s still a long shot.”
JuJu Smith-Schuster is expected to take on an expanded role, while Hollywood Brown and rookie Justyn Ross may see more snaps in an effort to keep pace with Philadelphia’s offense.
“Xavier’s work ethic and attitude have been amazing,” Smith-Schuster said. “Even banged up, he’s out there pushing through it, trying to be ready. That says a lot about him.”
For Mahomes, the challenge is clear: keep the offense moving without two of his top three targets from last season.
In Week 1 against the Chargers, Mahomes led the team in rushing with 57 yards, a performance that highlighted just how much he had to shoulder in the absence of familiar weapons.
Rematch brings different stakes but same intensity
Sunday’s game won’t decide a championship, but it carries the weight of unfinished business for both teams.
The Eagles dismantled the Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX, raising questions about whether Kansas City’s offensive model was sustainable without a clear No. 1 receiver.
Mahomes will want revenge, while Hurts and company aim to prove that their title run was no fluke.
Philadelphia’s defense will look to bounce back after an uneven Week 1 showing that included a controversial ejection for Jalen Carter.
With a full unit and added motivation, expect a more aggressive performance from a group that thrives on disruption.
On the other side, All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie says the Chiefs defense is laser-focused on the fundamentals as they prepare for Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities.
“We face elite quarterbacks every week,” McDuffie said. “It’s about doing the little things right – staying disciplined, tackling well, and executing as a unit.”
Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. local time at Arrowhead Stadium, where emotions will be high, the stakes will be personal, and the absences on both sidelines will force unexpected heroes to emerge.
For two teams with championship aspirations, Sunday’s clash could be the first of many defining moments in the 2025 season.
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