Zach Ertz’s Season Ends in Heartbreak After Torn ACL: A Tough Blow for the Commanders and a Veteran Star
In a game that already had its share of struggles, the Commanders were dealt a gut punch in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz went down after taking a low hit - and it was immediately clear this wasn’t just a routine injury.
Ertz, mic’d up as part of HBO’s Hard Knocks coverage of the NFC East, could be heard in real time reacting to the pain. “No, no,” he told a teammate who asked if he was okay.
Moments later, speaking to a trainer, he added, “Bro, I don’t think I can get up myself.” It was raw, unfiltered, and hard to watch - the kind of moment that reminds you just how brutal this sport can be.
As he was helped off the field, Ertz couldn’t put any weight on his right leg. Once on the cart, he buried his face in a towel, overcome with emotion.
Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota walked over, put an arm around his tight end, and quietly said, “Sorry.” It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes - the kind of respect that’s earned over years of grinding through this league.
Unfortunately, the postgame tests confirmed what everyone feared: a torn ACL in Ertz’s right knee. His season is officially over.
It’s a devastating outcome for a player who’s not just been productive this year - 50 catches, 504 yards, and four touchdowns - but also continues to climb the all-time ranks. Just recently, Ertz passed Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe for fifth place on the NFL’s all-time receptions list by a tight end.
#Commanders TE Zach Ertz’s injury shown in Hard Knocks
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) December 10, 2025
Truly devastating 💔
(via:katiebk91 on TikTok) pic.twitter.com/NPbt4d5WZY
That’s not a small feat. With 825 career catches over 13 seasons, Ertz has carved out a legacy built on consistency, toughness, and big-time moments.
At 35 years old, a torn ACL is a serious setback. But if there's anything we've learned about Zach Ertz over the years, it’s that he’s a fighter.
He later posted a message on Instagram that read, “Broken But Never Beaten.” That mindset has defined his career - from his days dominating in Philly to his recent resurgence in Washington.
For the Commanders, losing Ertz is more than just losing a reliable target. It’s losing a veteran presence in the locker room, a guy who’s been there, done that, and still finds ways to contribute. His leadership, football IQ, and ability to find soft spots in coverage have been a steadying force for a team trying to find its identity.
This injury doesn’t just sting - it reshapes what the Commanders can do offensively moving forward. Ertz had become a safety valve, especially on third downs and in the red zone. Replacing that kind of production and presence won’t be easy.
As for Ertz, the road ahead will be long. Rehab from an ACL injury is never simple, especially this late in a career.
But if there's one thing we know about him, it’s that he won’t go quietly. Whether this is the final chapter or just another obstacle in a storied career, Ertz has already left his mark on the game.
And if we’ve learned anything from watching him over the years - he’ll be back, one way or another.