One of the best-ever National Football League tight ends, who gave Eagles fans plenty of memories during his years in Philly, appeared to have suffered a serious leg injury during what was an overall miserable day for the Washington Commanders.
Zach Ertz left Sunday’s 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings with what is believed to be a torn ACL, according to coach Dan Quinn.
“Early signs say a serious injury,” said Quinn, who added that Ertz will undergo imaging Monday.
Ertz was hurt with 2:10 left in the third quarter when he reached for a pass on second-and-11 and was hit in his right leg by safety Jay Ward, according to an ESPN story.
After the hit, Ertz immediately signaled to the Washington sideline for assistance and, unable to put any weight on the leg, he was carried off the field.
He was soon carted to the locker room, a towel draped over his head.
Ertz, 35, has 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns this season. Just last week, Ertz had his best game of the season with 10 catches for 106 yards and moved to fifth all-time in catches for a tight end. He now has 825.
“This guy is one hell of a competitor in every way,” coach Dan Quinn said, per ESPN. “To see the frustration and emotion with that, all of us are feeling that.”
Ertz spent the first 8.5 seasons of his NFL career with the Eagles before he was traded midway through the 2021 season to the Arizona Cardinals. In Philly, he made three Pro Bowls and was a valuable member of the team that beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII in February 2018.
He holds the NFL record for most receptions in a season by a tight end, finishing with 116 in 2018.