Commanders Lose Zach Ertz to ACL Injury - What’s Next at Tight End?
The Washington Commanders’ 2025 season has been a storm of setbacks, and just when it seemed like the clouds might part, another gut punch landed-this time to their tight end room. Veteran Zach Ertz, a respected leader and one of the most accomplished pass catchers of his generation, went down with a torn ACL after taking a brutal hit in midair against the Minnesota Vikings. The injury was as heartbreaking as it was severe-Ertz left the field in tears, carted off while teammates looked on in visible distress.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the worst, and with that, Ertz’s time in Washington likely comes to a close. It’s a cruel end to what many hoped would be a veteran resurgence, and while the team will support him during his recovery, the business side of the NFL rarely waits for sentiment. General manager Adam Peters now faces a critical decision at a position that suddenly feels wide open-and wide uncertain.
Ertz brought experience, savvy, and leadership to a young locker room. But with his future in doubt and the Commanders clearly in transition, this could be the moment to pivot toward youth and long-term potential. And that brings us to Ben Sinnott.
Is It Ben Sinnott’s Time?
Let’s be clear: The Commanders didn’t spend a second-round pick on Ben Sinnott in 2024 just to keep him on the sidelines. Drafted 53rd overall out of Kansas State, Sinnott came into the league with the kind of versatility and blocking prowess that teams covet in modern tight ends. But so far, he’s been more of a mystery than a mainstay.
Through nearly two full seasons, Sinnott has been used sparingly-largely relegated to a blocking role, with little impact in the passing game. Whether it’s been scheme fit, development curve, or simply a crowded depth chart, something’s kept him from carving out a bigger role. That changes now.
With Ertz sidelined and the Commanders’ playoff hopes essentially extinguished, Washington has entered evaluation mode. And that means Sinnott is on the clock.
These final four games of the season could be a defining stretch for the young tight end. He’s waited patiently, biding his time behind a future Hall of Famer. Now, the opportunity is his, and what he does with it will help shape the Commanders’ offseason strategy.
Can he become a reliable target in the passing game? Can he show the consistency and physicality needed to be a full-time starter? Those are the questions that need answers-and fast.
A Crucial Test for the Front Office
This is more than just a test for Sinnott. It’s also a pivotal moment for Adam Peters and the front office.
If Sinnott shows he can handle the role, it gives Washington one less position to address heading into 2026. But if he falters, the Commanders could find themselves back at square one-either dipping into free agency or spending more draft capital to fill a hole that was supposed to be solved.
The good news? Sinnott has the tools.
He’s a strong blocker, a willing learner, and he’s flashed enough in limited reps to suggest there’s untapped potential. But potential only gets you so far in this league.
At some point, you have to produce.
And that time is now.
What Comes Next?
The Commanders are in a rebuild, whether they’ve officially labeled it that way or not. Losing a player like Ertz is a blow, no question. But it also opens the door for new leaders, new faces, and a new direction at a key offensive position.
For Ben Sinnott, this is the kind of moment that can define a career. For the Commanders, it’s a chance to see whether one of their recent investments is ready to step into the spotlight-or if they’ll need to go back to the drawing board.
Either way, the next few weeks will be telling. The Ertz era in Washington may be over, but the search for the next man up has already begun.