Zach Ertz
NFL tight end. Currently unrestricted free agent recovering from ACL injury.
Quick Facts
- Position: TE
- Age: 35
- Status: Free agent (2026 offseason)
- Career: Eagles (2013-2021), Cardinals (2021-2023), Commanders (2024-2025)
2026 Outlook
Veteran TE (35) recovering from season-ending torn ACL suffered in 2025. As of late June 2026, ~6 months post-surgery, rehabbing with intent to continue playing. Told Philadelphia Inquirer that he didn't want his career to end on the injury, and is "doing everything I can to get back to my best." Recovery timeline unclear, but likely won't be ready for training camp. Any 2026 role would be depth/veteran minimum. Career totals: 825 receptions for 8,592 yards and 57 TDs (per Ex-Commanders TE Zach Ertz Provides Update on NFL Future After Injury).
Injury Status
- 2025: Season-ending torn ACL
- Recovery status (as of 2026-06-27): ~6 months post-surgery, ongoing rehabilitation. No target return date disclosed.
Recent News
- 2026-04-13 — Former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz talks knee injury, rehab, 2026 plans (Former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz talks knee injury, rehab, 2026 plans)
- 2026-02-24 — Zach Ertz Reportedly Plans to Play in 2026 NFL Season Amid Injury Rehab, Return... (Zach Ertz Reportedly Plans to Play in 2026 NFL Season Amid Injury Rehab, Return...)
- 2026-04-13 — Zach Ertz Open To Eagles Return; TE’s ACL Recovery Ahead Of Schedule - NFL Rumors (Zach Ertz Open To Eagles Return; TE’s ACL Recovery Ahead Of Schedule - NFL Rumors)
- 2026-06-26 — Ex-Commanders TE Zach Ertz Provides Update on NFL Future After Injury (Ex-Commanders TE Zach Ertz Provides Update on NFL Future After Injury)
- 2026-06-27 — Still rehabbing, intends to continue playing but timeline uncertain (Ex-Commanders TE Zach Ertz Provides Update on NFL Future After Injury)
Open Questions
- Will Ertz be healthy enough to sign during preseason, or will he miss 2026 entirely?