Dallas Goedert (fractured forearm) doubtful vs. 49ers, Lane Johnson to play

Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert returned to the practice field on Friday afternoon for the first time since he suffered a fractured forearm during the team’s Week 9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 5.

According to the team’s injury report, Goedert was a limited participant Friday, and he is listed as doubtful to play in the team’s upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. from Lincoln Financial Field. Additionally, safety Justin Evans (knee) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring) have been ruled out against the 49ers, while tight end Grant Calcaterra (ankle) and veteran defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (groin) are questionable to play.

“To me, my arm feels really good, and I’m really excited to be where I’m at,” Goedert said after Friday’s practice. “The doctor said [recovery] would be 4 to 6 weeks, and when I hear that, I think 2 to 3 weeks. So in my mind, I was ready to play a couple weeks ago.

“You’ve got to push it. I’m trying to get back as soon as I can.”

Goedert was not placed on injured reserve as team officials hoped he would be able to make a quick recovery. If Goedert was placed on IR, he would’ve needed to miss at least four games. Following the Cowboys game, the Eagles had their scheduled bye and Goedert underwent surgery to repair the fracture, which included the insertion of a metal plate.

On Friday morning, before practice, coach Nick Sirianni said Goedert was “doing well” with his rehab, but he declined to delve further into when the tight end would return to the field. . When reporters entered the fields at the NovaCare Complex a little while later, Sirianni shouted toward the group, ‘Sometimes you just have to wait and see!,” in reference to Goedert returning to practice.

» READ MORE: Eagles beat writers make their predictions for the 49ers game in Week 13

Goedert is the team’s third-leading pass-catcher behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith with 38 catches, 410 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Following this weekend’s game against the 49ers, the Eagles will travel to play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Dec. 10.

“It’s been tough not being out there,” Goedert said. “But I’m also thankful that I can miss a couple games, and be back for the important games in December. I feel like I’ve been getting good work all week. I’m really happy with where I’m at. It’s all about making sure my arm feels good, working on movement, and mobility. I feel like my strength is still there and my legs feel really good.

“It obviously was a scary thing. When you have a broken bone, you’re worried. But when they put the plate in there, it’s been coming along really well. My strength is back. My pain levels are low. So, I’m really happy.”

Star right tackle Lane Johnson was a full participant in Friday’s practice and he does not carry any type of game designation ahead of Sunday, setting up the return from his one-game absence.

Johnson missed last weekend’s game against the Bills due to inflammation in his groin. After he initially attempted to warm up pregame in front of team officials, Johnson was ruled out and he was replaced in the starting lineup by reserve Jack Driscoll.

”Just kind of popped some scar tissue from last year,” Johnson told The Inquirer earlier this week. “So it flamed up. But I’ll be ready to rock [against the 49ers].”