It’s been a nightmare season for the Washington Commanders. One year after the franchise’s best season in 33 years, anything that could go wrong in 2025 has gone wrong. Anytime it looks like things can’t get worse for Washington, they do. In Sunday’s humiliating 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, veteran tight end Zach Ertz suffered a devastating hit in the third quarter. It was later revealed that Ertz tore his ACL, ending his season with four games remaining.
At 3-10, the Commanders are already eliminated from playoff contention. However, Ertz remained one of Washington’s best and most productive players. His biggest value may be his presence on the practice fields and the meeting rooms.
In episode 2 of “Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East,” NFL Films and HBO Max followed all four NFC East teams in preparation for their Week 14 games. For Washington, that meant the Commanders’ road against the Vikings.
Ertz was the featured player for the Commanders, showing him studying film and tight ends coach David Raih having some good-natured fun in front of the team, mocking the 35-year-old Ertz’s speed at this stage of his career.
“Hard Knocks” then focused on the game, including quarterback Jayden Daniels landing violently on his previously injured left elbow and Ertz’s injury. While Daniels is fine, Ertz was not, and he knew it immediately.
As soon as Ertz went down, Washington trainers quickly came to his aid. Trainers helped him to his feet and to the sideline. Ertz began crying as he sat on the medical cart, with players like Marcus Mariota and Deebo Samuel consoling him.
Heartbreaking. You don’t often use that word in the NFL. But considering the cameras featured Ertz for this episode and were up close for his injury, it was sad to watch unfold. You could make the case that Ertz is Washington’s most beloved player. Coaches love him. Teammates — young and old — love him. Everyone trusts him, counts on him. And to see his season, potentially his career, end like this is beyond sad.
Even Ertz noted in the episode before he was injured that you don’t know how much time you have left. Just sad.
Here’s hoping Ertz has a safe and speedy recovery and can end his career on his terms. He’s earned it. A legendary career, who has made a lasting impact on two NFC East teams, even though he’s only played in Washington for two seasons. The Commanders do not have the kind of success they had in 2024 without Ertz. His presence in Washington’s locker room helped establish a new culture, which has been put to the test this season.