When Zach Ertz went down with a torn ACL in the Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, it was devastating news in every aspect for the Washington Commanders. Not only was Ertz still one of Washington’s primary offensive weapons, but his leadership was also invaluable. Not only in the tight ends room, but Ertz was beloved and respected by all of his teammates, including quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.
If there were a bright spot for Washington, it would give second-year tight end Ben Sinnott more offensive reps.
In last Sunday’s win over the New York Giants, Sinnott played in 35 of Washington’s 61 offensive snaps (57%). Not bad. John Bates played 42 snaps (69%), as the Commanders often employ multiple tight end sets.
How did Sinnott respond? An initial look at the final box score would see Sinnott make one catch for 36 yards. It was his only target of the game. However, it came at a critical time in the fourth quarter when Washington was trying to run out the clock. It was a terrific route from Sinnott, and he displayed speed and an ability to beat safeties with ease.
While Sinnott only had one catch, he did catch his only target. He has 10 career receptions now — on 10 targets.
What did offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury think of Sinnott’s performance?
“I think we only had 10 completions, so there weren’t a ton to go around, unfortunately, but I was really proud of that play,” Kingsbury said. “We got cover zero. We hadn’t shown him that look in that scenario with that personnel group; we weren’t anticipating he’d stick his foot in the ground and create space, so it was a big-time play. But yeah, I think just how the game went, we weren’t throwing at a ton and so the opportunities weren’t there, but he’s continued to progress and like I’ve said all along, when his opportunity has risen in the game, he’s, he’s stepped up.”
Kingsbury was correct. Washington completed 10 of 19 passes in the game. So, it’s not like he was designing plays for the other tight ends. Bates also had one catch. Moving forward, there will be games where the Commanders will need to pass more. It will be interesting to see if Washington creates opportunities for Sinnott in the passing game.
Whether it’s as a blocker or on special teams, Sinnott always does his job. When his number is called on offense, he delivers. He’s earned more looks in the passing game.
The Commanders finish out the season with two games against the Philadelphia Eagles and a game against the Dallas Cowboys in between. This is the most important stretch of Sinnott’s young career. He has an opportunity to show Washington he has what it takes to be the team’s starting tight end in 2026.