Zach Ertz is back in Philadelphia, and his return has quickly made him one of the most talked-about tight ends in the NFL
The veteran tight end recently rejoined the Philadelphia Eagles after spending the previous two seasons with the Washington Commanders.
His return comes at an important moment for the Eagles after starting tight end Dallas Goedert suffered a reported MCL sprain.
The timing has created a fresh wave of searches for Ertz. Some searches connect his name directly with an MCL injury.
He spent more than eight seasons with the franchise and became one of the most productive tight ends in team history.
He made three Pro Bowls during his first stint with Philadelphia and became known for his reliable hands, route running and ability to find openings in the middle of the field.
Now at 35, Ertz has another opportunity to contribute to the team that drafted him.
His comeback also gives him a chance to move closer to one of the most notable records in Eagles history.
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Table of Contents
Who Is Zach Ertz?
Zach Ertz is an American professional football tight end who has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders.1
He was born on November 10, 1990, in Orange, California.
Ertz played college football at Stanford. His performances there helped establish him as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Eagles selected him with the 35th overall pick in the second round.
He quickly became an important part of Philadelphia’s offense. His size and receiving ability allowed him to line up in different positions and create matchup problems for opposing defenses.
Ertz stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and has been listed at around 250 pounds. His combination of size and technical ability made him especially effective as a receiving tight end.
Pro Football Reference lists him with 825 career receptions for 8,592 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns through the 2025 season.
His best period came with the Eagles. From 2017 through 2019, Ertz made three consecutive Pro Bowls. He also played an important role in Philadelphia’s historic Super Bowl run during the 2017 season.
One of the greatest catches I’ve ever seen in person! Set the tone for the rest of the game!
Legendary https://t.co/XjgxUTNx0b
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) August 30, 2026
Why Is Zach Ertz Trending in 2026?
The biggest reason for the latest Zach Ertz searches is his return to Philadelphia.
The Eagles entered the 2026 season with Dallas Goedert as their starting tight end. Goedert had an excellent 2025 campaign, recording 60 receptions for 591 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He also opened the 2026 season with four catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns against Washington. Goedert then suffered an MCL sprain in Week 2 against Tennessee.
That injury created an immediate need at tight end. Philadelphia had other tight ends on the roster but several were dealing with injuries. The team therefore turned to a familiar name.
The Eagles signed Ertz to their practice squad on September 22, 2026. The team’s official announcement described him as a three-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion returning to Philadelphia.
This is why searches about Ertz and the MCL injury can be confusing. Ertz did not suffer the MCL injury that triggered his return. Goedert did.
Ertz himself has been returning from a torn ACL suffered during the 2025 season with Washington.
NFL.com reported that Ertz planned to continue playing in 2026 and was expected to be cleared around the beginning of the season.
Quick Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zachary Adam Ertz |
| Date of Birth | November 10, 1990 |
| Age | 35 |
| Birthplace | Orange, California |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in |
| Position | Tight End |
| College | Stanford |
| NFL Draft | 2013 |
| Draft Pick | Round 2, No. 35 |
| First NFL Team | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Current Team | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Jersey Number | 86 |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 |
| Career Receptions | 825 |
| Career Receiving Yards | 8,592 |
| Career Receiving TDs | 57 |
| Career Games | 181 |
Zach Ertz and the Philadelphia Eagles
Ertz’s connection with Philadelphia goes back to the beginning of his NFL career.2
The Eagles selected him in 2013, and he remained with the organization until the 2021 season. During those years he became one of the team’s most dependable receiving options.
His 2018 season was particularly impressive. Ertz caught 116 passes that year.
That performance established an NFL record for receptions by a tight end in a single season at the time and remains one of the most memorable statistical seasons of his career.
He was also part of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LII championship team. During the Eagles’ victory over the New England Patriots, Ertz caught the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
His performance became an important part of the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship. Ertz finished his first Eagles run with 579 receptions.
According to current reports, he is only 11 receptions away from passing Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael for the Eagles’ franchise record. That makes his latest return especially interesting.
If Ertz gets enough opportunities, he could rewrite one of the most recognizable receiving records in Philadelphia history while wearing the Eagles uniform again.
Zach Ertz Injury Update
Injury questions are now a major part of the conversation around Ertz. Ertz suffered a torn ACL during Washington’s 2025 season.
The injury ended his campaign after 13 games. Before the injury, he had recorded 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns.
The ACL injury was significant because Ertz was already 35 years old. There was uncertainty about whether he would continue his career but he made it clear that he wanted to return.
NFL.com reported in early 2026 that Ertz intended to play another NFL season. He continued his rehabilitation and eventually returned to football activity.
The Eagles’ decision to bring him back indicates that the organization was comfortable giving the veteran another opportunity.
It is important to separate this from the current MCL story. The MCL injury being discussed around the Eagles belongs to Dallas Goedert.
Reports say Goedert is expected to miss several weeks after suffering the sprain against the Titans. Ertz’s current story is therefore about a return from an earlier ACL injury rather than a new MCL injury.
Zach Ertz’s 2025 Season
Before his ACL injury, Ertz remained productive for Washington. He appeared in 13 games during the 2025 regular season and recorded 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns.
Those numbers showed that he could still provide value as a receiving tight end despite being well into his 30s.
NFL.com noted that Ertz had become a trusted target during his time in Washington. His experience also made him useful to a young offense.
Ertz spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with Washington. In 2024, he recorded 66 catches for 654 yards and seven touchdowns.
His production and leadership made him an important veteran presence for the Commanders. His Washington tenure also helped add another chapter to a career that had already included more than a decade in the NFL.
Zach Ertz Career Stats
Ertz has built one of the stronger statistical résumés among modern NFL tight ends.
Through the 2025 season, his career numbers included 181 regular-season games, 825 receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 receiving touchdowns.
Pro Football Reference lists those figures in its career summary. His career numbers are even more notable when considering how many teams he played for.
He spent the majority of his career with Philadelphia before moving to Arizona and then Washington.
His production remained consistent enough that he entered 2026 among the NFL’s most productive tight ends statistically.
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Zach Ertz’s Teams
Ertz has played for three NFL franchises during his career.3
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles drafted Ertz in 2013. He spent his first eight-plus seasons with the team and became one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history.
His Eagles career included three Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship.
Arizona Cardinals
Philadelphia traded Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals during the 2021 season. He continued his career in Arizona and remained an important receiving option.
His time with the Cardinals lasted through the 2023 season.
Washington Commanders
Ertz joined Washington in 2024 and played two seasons with the franchise.
He produced 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. In 2025, he finished with 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns before suffering his season-ending ACL injury.
Philadelphia Eagles Again
In September 2026, Ertz returned to Philadelphia.
The Eagles initially signed him to the practice squad as they dealt with injuries at tight end. The team’s official announcement confirmed that he would wear his familiar No. 86 jersey.
What Does Zach Ertz’s Return Mean for the Eagles?
Ertz brings something that cannot easily be replaced: experience.
He knows the Eagles’ organization and has played in high-pressure games throughout his career. He also has familiarity with Philadelphia and understands the expectations that come with playing for the franchise.
The immediate reason for his return is the shortage at tight end following Goedert’s MCL injury. The Eagles entered the situation with multiple tight ends unavailable.
Rookie Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra were already dealing with injuries, leaving the team with limited healthy options.
Ertz therefore provides the team with an experienced receiving option. His role will depend on his health, conditioning and how quickly he can transition back into the offense.
At 35, he is no longer the same player who caught 116 passes in 2018. However, his experience and ability as a route runner remain important parts of his game.
Zach Ertz and the Eagles Franchise Record
One of the most interesting parts of Ertz’s return is the possibility of a new Eagles receiving record.
Harold Carmichael currently holds the franchise record with 589 receptions. Ertz finished his first Eagles stint with 579 catches.
That means he needs only 11 more receptions to move past Carmichael.
This gives Ertz a unique storyline during his second stint in Philadelphia. He could return to the team and reach a major franchise milestone at the same time.
Ertz already ranks among the most productive receivers in Eagles history. His return gives him another opportunity to add to that legacy.
Zach Ertz’s Playing Style
Ertz has built his career primarily through receiving rather than explosive athleticism.
His size gives quarterbacks a large target in the middle of the field. He has also developed a reputation for precise route running and reliable hands.
One of his biggest strengths has been finding open space against zone coverage. He has often been effective on short and intermediate routes where his size can help him shield defenders from the football.
That skill became especially useful later in his career.
As his speed and athleticism naturally changed with age, Ertz continued to rely on positioning, timing and football awareness.
That approach helped him remain productive with Washington even after leaving Philadelphia.
Zach Ertz’s Legacy
Ertz’s career is already significant regardless of what happens during his latest return.
He has played more than 180 regular-season games and recorded more than 8,500 receiving yards. He has also earned three Pro Bowl selections and won a Super Bowl.
His 825 receptions place him among the most productive tight ends in NFL history. His 8,592 receiving yards also rank among the league’s top tight end totals.
His biggest legacy, however, remains closely connected to Philadelphia.
He was part of the team that delivered the Eagles their first Super Bowl championship. He also set the NFL single-season tight end reception record with 116 catches in 2018.
Now he has a chance to add another chapter to that story.
Is Zach Ertz Retiring?
There is no indication that Ertz is retiring at this point.
He entered 2026 intending to continue his NFL career after recovering from his ACL injury. The Eagles then gave him another opportunity by signing him after Goedert’s injury.
At 35, Ertz is one of the oldest active tight ends in the league. His career is naturally in its later stages but his return to Philadelphia shows that he still has an opportunity to contribute.
His future will likely depend on his health, performance and the Eagles’ needs at the position.
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FAQ’s
Who is Zach Ertz?
Zach Ertz is an American NFL tight end who was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders.
How old is Zach Ertz?
Zach Ertz was born on November 10, 1990. He is 35 years old in September 2026 and will turn 36 in November.
Is Zach Ertz injured?
Ertz is returning after recovering from a torn ACL that ended his 2025 season with Washington. The current MCL injury connected to the Eagles’ tight end situation belongs to Dallas Goedert, not Ertz.
What happened to Dallas Goedert?
Dallas Goedert suffered a reported MCL sprain during Philadelphia’s Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans. Reports indicate that he is expected to miss several weeks.
Why did the Eagles sign Zach Ertz?
The Eagles brought Ertz back because of injuries at the tight end position, including Goedert’s MCL injury. Ertz was signed to the practice squad before the team could potentially use him in a game.
What teams has Zach Ertz played for?
Ertz has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. He returned to Philadelphia in September 2026.
Conclusion
Zach Ertz is back with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026, giving his long NFL career another interesting chapter.
The veteran tight end originally spent more than eight seasons with Philadelphia after being selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He became a three-time Pro Bowler, helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII and established himself as one of the most productive tight ends of his generation.
Ertz enters this next chapter with 825 career receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns. He also sits just 11 receptions away from passing Harold Carmichael for the Eagles’ franchise record.
For a player who has already been part of some of the biggest moments in Eagles history, the opportunity to return to Philadelphia and potentially break that record makes his 2026 comeback particularly notable.
Whether he becomes a short-term solution or plays a larger role remains to be seen. What is already clear is that Zach Ertz has returned to the city where his NFL story began.
