Zach Ertz’s Season Ends with Torn ACL, Emotional Moment Captured on 'Hard Knocks'
Zach Ertz’s 2025 season has come to a heartbreaking halt. The Washington Commanders confirmed that the veteran tight end has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during Week 14. The injury occurred late in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings, following a tough hit from safety Jay Ward.
For a player who’s been a steady presence and a reliable target all year, the timing couldn’t be worse. Ertz had quietly put together a strong campaign-50 receptions, 504 yards, and four touchdowns-proving he still had plenty left in the tank at age 35. But beyond the box score, his leadership and consistency were vital for a Commanders team navigating a transitional season.
And while the numbers speak for themselves, Ertz also reached a significant career milestone before the injury, climbing to fifth on the NFL’s all-time receptions list for tight ends. He now sits at 825 career catches-an elite mark that places him among the game's most productive pass-catching tight ends in history.
This season, Ertz was also prominently featured in HBO’s Hard Knocks, which is following the Commanders for the first time. That spotlight made the moment of his injury all the more raw and real.
Cameras captured the exact play when Ertz went down, and the audio was tough to hear: repeated cries of “No” as he lay on the field, clearly aware of the severity of what had just happened. Trainers rushed to his side, and teammates gathered around as he tried to process the pain-both physical and emotional.
As he was carted off the field, emotions poured out. Ertz, towel over his head, couldn’t hold back the tears. Quarterback Marcus Mariota sat beside him, offering support in a moment that underscored just how brutal this game can be-even for the most seasoned veterans.
Later, Ertz took to social media to share a message that reflected both his heartbreak and his resilience: “Broken But Never Beaten.”
It’s a powerful statement from a player who’s seen just about everything the NFL has to offer. A 13-year veteran and former Super Bowl champion, Ertz signed a one-year deal with Washington this offseason, hoping to bring experience and production to a young roster. Whether this injury marks the end of his career remains to be seen, but if this is the final chapter, he’s already written a legacy worthy of respect.
For now, the Commanders will have to move forward without one of their most reliable weapons. And for Ertz, the road to recovery begins-with the same toughness and professionalism that’s defined his career.