Zach Ertz: Everything you need to know

Ertz (knee) intends to play in the 2026 season and is expected to be cleared close to Week 1, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Ertz suffered a torn ACL in a Week 14 loss to the Vikings on Dec. 7, making it conceivable that he could be healthy for Week 1 of the 2026 season, which will be roughly nine months after his injury. It seems just as plausible, however, that the 35-year-old veteran's rehab could require him to start the 2026 campaign on the PUP list. An impending free agent, Ertz will need to find a new opportunity in the league in addition to managing his return to full health. Across 13 regular-season appearances with the Commanders in 2025, he secured 50 of 72 targets for 504 yards and four scores. Washington general manager Adam Peters said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that the team will "keep the door open for sure" regarding re-signing Ertz, but noted that "you can't count on anything," per John Keim of ESPN.com.

The Commanders placed Ertz (ACL) on injured reserve Wednesday. Ertz will officially miss the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering an ACL tear during Washington's 31-0 loss to the Vikings in Week 14. In his stead, reps at the tight end position are slated to be split between John Bates, Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff. Ertz is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The 25-year-old tight end racked up 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns (72 targets) across 13 regular-season appearances in 2025.

Coach Dan Quinn confirmed Monday that Ertz suffered a torn ACL during Sunday's 31-0 loss to the Vikings. With Ertz now slated to miss the rest of the season, John Bates, Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff are in line to handle the Commanders' TE duties down the stretch. Ertz thus finishes his 2025 campaign with 50 catches (on 72 targets) for 504 yards and four TDs in 13 games.