Zach Ertz Carted Off with Apparent Knee Injury, Future Uncertain for Veteran Tight End
A tough scene unfolded on Sunday for the Washington Commanders as veteran tight end Zach Ertz was carted off the field with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. The team quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game, and while details are still emerging, the immediate concern on the field-and across the league-is for the health of one of the NFL’s most respected veterans.
At 35 years old, Ertz has been through the grind. A second-round pick by the Eagles back in 2013, he’s carved out a career that’s been defined by reliability, production, and leadership. After nearly a decade in Philadelphia-including a Super Bowl win and three Pro Bowl nods-Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals midway through the 2021 season in exchange for cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round pick.
That move kicked off the second chapter of his career, and Ertz made it count. He finished out his six-year, $43.64 million contract-$20 million of that guaranteed-with a strong showing in Arizona. His base salary that season was $8.25 million, and he proved he still had plenty left in the tank.
The Cardinals clearly agreed, signing him to a three-year, $31.65 million deal with $17.5 million guaranteed. But the NFL is a business, and by 2024, with $8.5 million due in the final year of that contract, Arizona opted to release him. A brief stint with the Lions followed before Ertz found his way to Washington.
In March of 2025, the Commanders brought him back on a one-year deal worth $6.25 million, with incentives that could push the value up to $9 million. It was a smart move for a team looking to add a veteran presence and a reliable target in the middle of the field.
And Ertz delivered. Through 13 games this season, he’s hauled in 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns.
Those aren’t just solid numbers-they're a testament to his consistency and football IQ. Even as younger, faster players enter the league, Ertz has remained a dependable option, especially in clutch situations.
Now, though, all of that is on pause. The sight of Ertz being carted off was a gut punch-not just for Washington, but for fans who’ve watched him build a career on toughness, smarts, and big-time catches in big-time moments.
There’s no word yet on the full extent of the injury, but the hope is that it’s not as serious as it looked. For a player who’s given so much to the game, you can bet the league is pulling for a positive outcome.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.