The Commanders left Week 1 with a loss to the Eagles and a new concern at tight end.
Chig Okonkwo, brought in this offseason, exited in the third quarter with a hamstring injury after catching two passes for 16 yards. His absence mattered late, too - Washington would have liked him on the two-point attempt at the end of the game instead of John Bates.
The injury has put Okonkwo’s Week 2 status in doubt. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, which opens the door for the Commanders to consider a short-term move if he can’t suit up against the Dallas Cowboys.
That’s where Zach Ertz enters the picture.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report recently pointed to a Commanders reunion as one of the most logical landing spots for the veteran tight end. Kay argued that Washington should consider bringing back the 13-year veteran if it heads into Week 2 with an uncertain tight end group.
“Rather than enter a pivotal Week 2 clash against the Dallas Cowboys with an underwhelming tight end situation, it would behoove the Commanders to reunite with former starter Zach Ertz,” Kay said. “Although the 13-year veteran remains unsigned, he could still provide a major boost to this offense without needing much time to get brought up to speed.”
If Okonkwo is unavailable, Washington would be left leaning on John Bates and Ben Sinnott. Both are more known for blocking than producing as receivers, which is why Ertz would make sense as an immediate answer.
"Although he doesn’t have much tread left on his tires at the age of 35, Ertz still profiles as a far better Okonkwo replacement than any of the current members of Washington’s roster,” Kay added.
Ertz played 13 games for Washington in 2025, finishing with 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns. He was lost to a season-ending injury in December, but if he’s healthy, he still offers real value. He also already has chemistry with Jayden Daniels, which only strengthens the case for a reunion.
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