PHI Zach Ertz
NFL tight end. Rejoined Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 (2026) after recovery from torn ACL.
Quick Facts
- Position: TE
- Age: 35
- Status: Philadelphia Eagles (2026 active roster, elevated from practice squad Week 3)
- Career: Eagles (2013-2021), Cardinals (2021-2023), Commanders (2024-2025), Eagles (2026-present)
Veteran TE (35) returned to Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 2026 after recovery from torn ACL suffered in 2025 Week 14. Elevated from practice squad to active roster Sept 28, 2026 to replace starting TE Dallas Goedert (knee injury). Practiced with Eagles for first time Thursday, clearing way for same-week elevation to active roster. As starter for Eagles with Goedert sidelined, provides veteran receiving depth in Ben Johnson's offense. Previously told Philadelphia Inquirer he didn't want his career to end on the injury and is "doing everything I can to get back to my best." Rejoins Eagles after 13 seasons (2013-2021); played for Cardinals (2021-2023) and Commanders (2024-2025). Career totals: 825+ receptions for 8,592 yards and 57+ TDs (per Ex-Commanders TE Zach Ertz Provides Update on NFL Future After Injury and Eagles vs. Bears score, live updates: Case Keenum to start for Chicago over Tyson...).
Ertz suffered his ACL injury one week before Patrick Mahomes' Week 15 tear. The two have become unexpected rehab partners during recovery, exchanging competitive video updates of rehab progress—deadlift numbers, cutting drills, box jumps—maintaining competitive drive through the lengthy recovery process. Ertz was previously coached by Kliff Kingsbury at Arizona and has formed a supportive bond with Mahomes during their parallel recovery journeys (per Patrick Mahomes turned rehab into a competition. No surprise he's winning | Opinion).
If healthy, Ertz fits the profile of experienced veteran depth some playoff contenders seek. Cleveland Browns scout evaluators view him as a "Good Addition" candidate if he can return from ACL recovery, noting his veteran experience (879 career catches) would help tutor emerging talents like Cleveland's rookie Harold Fannin (per Cleveland Browns Free Agency Targets - Tight End).
September update — Eagles reunion and practice squad movement: Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman acknowledged ongoing conversations with Ertz about a potential return to the Eagles. With Dallas Goedert's injury history and question marks about the TE room's depth, Philly is exploring whether Ertz could provide veteran pass-catching depth in a platoon role. Roseman praised Ertz as "one of the greatest tight ends to play the game" and stated he has "tremendous respect for him," but emphasized satisfaction with the current tight end room. If Ertz receives clearance to play, the Eagles represent a logical landing spot for his experience, though a reduced role seems likely (per Could the Eagles bring back TE Zach Ertz?).
Week 3 roster moves (Sept 29-30): Ertz was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster on Sept 28 and appeared in Monday's Week 3 game vs. Chicago, recording just 1 target for 9 yards in limited snaps. His role remained minimal with Goedert still managing his own injury concerns. Following Week 3, Ertz reverted to the Philadelphia practice squad, demonstrating the Eagles' depth strategy—use his experience in a backup role, but preserve his services at the lower salary level. The move suggests Goedert's knee injury is not severe enough to warrant Ertz as a permanent active roster replacement, and the Eagles intend to manage both TEs carefully through the season (per Eagles' Zach Ertz: Goes back to practice squad - CBS Sports)
Injury Status
- 2025: Season-ending torn ACL
- Recovery status (as of 2026-06-27): ~6 months post-surgery, ongoing rehabilitation. No target return date disclosed.
Recent News
- 2026-08-05 — Major Injury Update for Commanders Tight End Zach Ertz (Major Injury Update for Commanders Tight End Zach Ertz)
- 2026-09-29 — Eagles vs. Bears score, live updates: Case Keenum to start for Chicago over Tyson... (Eagles vs. Bears score, live updates: Case Keenum to start for Chicago over Tyson...)
- 2026-09-25 — Zach Ertz: 'It's special to be back' (Zach Ertz: 'It's special to be back')
- 2026-09-21 — Eagles reportedly bringing back TE Zach Ertz amid MCL injury that's expected to... (Eagles reportedly bringing back TE Zach Ertz amid MCL injury that's expected to...)
- 2026-09-21 — TE Zach Ertz reuniting with Eagles, signing to Philadelphia's practice squad (TE Zach Ertz reuniting with Eagles, signing to Philadelphia's practice squad)
- 2026-09-21 — Eagles bringing back franchise legend Zach Ertz after Dallas Goedert injury (Eagles bringing back franchise legend Zach Ertz after Dallas Goedert injury)
- 2026-09-01 — Could the Eagles bring back TE Zach Ertz? (Could the Eagles bring back TE Zach Ertz?)
- 2026-08-31 — New NFL Rumors Update Potential Zach Ertz, Eagles Reunion Amid TE's Injury Recovery (New NFL Rumors Update Potential Zach Ertz, Eagles Reunion Amid TE's Injury Recovery)
- 2026-06-11 — Players To Cut In Dynasty Fantasy Football: Zach Ertz & The Most Dropped Players On... (Players To Cut In Dynasty Fantasy Football: Zach Ertz & The Most Dropped Players On...)
- 2026-03-08 — Commanders depth chart shows focus on younger TE options (Ben Sinnott) as Ertz’s return timeline remains uncertain (Washington Commanders depth chart - updated prior to 2026 free agency negotiating window)
Open Questions
- Will Ertz be healthy enough to sign during preseason, or will he miss 2026 entirely?