Zach Ertz Suffers Potentially Season-Ending Injury in Commanders’ Blowout Loss to Vikings
Sunday was a tough day for the Washington Commanders - and an even tougher one for veteran tight end Zach Ertz.
Midway through a lopsided matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Ertz went down with what appeared to be a serious leg injury after taking a low hit while attempting to haul in a pass from quarterback Marcus Mariota. The play was brutal to watch.
Ertz went up for the ball, got clipped low by a defender midair, and came down awkwardly - his leg bending in a way no leg should. Moments later, he was in an air cast and being carted off the field, visibly emotional as teammates and coaches gathered around.
Mariota, who was clearly shaken, stayed by Ertz’s side as he was helped off. The veteran QB was seen consoling the tight end on the cart - a moment that captured both the physical and emotional toll of the game.
The injury came during a game that was already spiraling for Washington. Mariota was only under center because starter Jayden Daniels had exited earlier after appearing to re-aggravate his elbow - the same injury that’s been nagging him throughout the season. Daniels had just returned to action against Minnesota, but a fall on his left arm forced him out, prompting Mariota’s entry.
And then came the play to Ertz - a throw that some are calling a “hospital ball,” the kind of pass that puts a receiver in harm’s way. Whether fair or not, it’s a label that tends to get tossed around in moments like these, especially when the result is a player being carted off the field.
The Commanders were trailing the Vikings 31-0 in the fourth quarter when Ertz went down - a game that had already slipped away before the injury, but one that now feels even heavier for a team that’s struggled to find consistency this season.
For Ertz, who joined the Commanders looking to bring veteran leadership and reliable hands to a young offense, the injury could mark the end of his season - and depending on the severity, it may raise questions about his future in the league. The three-time Pro Bowler has battled through injuries before, but this one looked different. The reaction on the field said it all.
As of now, there’s no official word on the exact nature of the injury or a recovery timeline, but all signs point toward a significant setback.
For Washington, it’s another blow in a season that’s offered more questions than answers. For Ertz, it’s a heartbreaking moment in what’s been a long and accomplished NFL journey.