Commanders TE Zach Ertz is learning his limits with coach-sanctioned ‘veteran rest days’

ASHBURN, Va. (7News) — Zach Ertz is no stranger to training camp.

The veteran tight end enters his thirteenth season in the league and his second with the Washington Commanders. He understands how important the early days of camp can be as guys build bonds and form connections.

“I think we got a group that really loves being together, one,” Ertz said. “Guys that are trying to do everything they can to get better and a bunch of guys that have a really diverse skill set in the skill room… a bunch of guys that are in different phases of their career, different talents, in terms of how coaches can use each of us. So right now, training camp is all about earning trust.”

Over the course of the 2024 season, Ertz became one of quarterback Jayden Daniels’ most reliable receivers, especially on third and fourth down. He doesn’t anticipate that changing this season as Daniels continues to develop.

“I think everyone just knows it’s his ship and we’re trying to do our best every day to improve as a team,” Ertz said. “He’s always been so poised, such high confidence, but I feel like he’s just taking another step.”

Ertz is also learning his limits. The 34-year-old understands his remaining years in the league are limited. Now, he — with a necessary nudge from head coach Dan Quinn — is doing everything he can to extend his shelf-life by implementing ‘veteran rest days’ into his weekly practice schedule.

“I’ve always been a guy that kind of just wants to overwork himself. So, I need people like DQ to kind of keep me from myself or so I don’t go too far,” Ertz said. “We had a long season last year; we want to have another long season this year. So, oftentimes I need people to kind of keep me from myself, and DQ has just been amazing at that.”

As a Super Bowl champion who has proven his worth both on and off the field over the years, Ertz’s love for the game and his teammates continue to light his fire.

“We got an amazing group of guys that really love the process, that love coming to work every day. It’s been so fun just to really get to know the guys and that’s why I’m here in the offseason,” Ertz said. “For me, it’s really about just enjoying the time together with the guys, getting better, and doing everything we can to be the best version of ourselves this year.”