Zach Ertz Injury: Plans to play, targeting Week 1
Ertz (knee) intends to play in 2026 and is expected to be cleared close to Week 1, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Ertz suffered a torn ACL in Week 14, making it plausible that he could be healthy to begin next season, roughly nine months after his injury. The 35-year-old tight end could also easily start the 2026 campaign on the PUP list, however. An impending free agent, Ertz might need to find a new employer in addition to managing his rehab. Across 13 regular-season appearances with the Commanders in 2025, he secured 50 of 72 targets for 504 yards and four scores. Washington general manager Adam Peters said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that the team will "keep the door open for sure" regarding re-signing Ertz, but noted that "you can't count on anything," per John Keim of ESPN.com.
