Is Zach Ertz out for the season? Injury update, return timeline for Commanders TE

Mike Moraitis

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Is Zach Ertz out for the season? Injury update, return timeline for Commanders TE image

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders lost tight end Zach Ertz to injury in the Week 14 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Ertz came down with a knee injury in the second half after taking a hard shot to the area while trying to make a catch in the third quarter.

After watching the replay, it was quite clear that Ertz had sustained a significant injury, and the fact he was carted to the locker room was another bad sign.

Following the blowout loss to the Vikings, head coach Dan Quinn shared the news on Ertz that we all expected but didn't want to hear.

Zach Ertz injury update

Quinn told reporters after the game against the Vikings that the fear is Ertz has a torn ACL, which is just about the worst-case scenario.

"Early signs say a serious injury," Quinn told reporters.

"This guy is one hell of a competitor in every way," Quinn added on Ertz. "To see the frustration and emotion with that, all of us are feeling that."

Is Zach Ertz out for the season?

Quinn said that Ertz will undergo more tests, but if the initial diagnosis of a torn ACL holds up, the veteran tight end will not play the rest of this season.

This is an especially tough blow for Ertz, who is in the twilight of his career.

Zach Ertz return timeline

The usual recovery time for a torn ACL is about nine months, which means Ertz is now in danger of not being ready for the 2026 campaign.

That said, it's also possible Ertz retires. After all, he's 35 years old and now has to go through the grueling process of rehabbing from his injury.

Last January, Ertz told reporters that he feels "rejuvenated" and "young," which suggests he's got more left in the tank beyond this season. His production this campaign is more evidence that Ertz has something left to give.

But a significant injury like this one can certainly change things. We'll know more once the offseason rolls around.

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Editorial Team