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Zach Ertz is returning to the Philadelphia Eagles at a critical moment. The veteran tight end is signing with Philadelphia’s practice squad as the team deals with a significant injury to starter Dallas Goedert and several other setbacks at the position.
Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday evening that the Eagles are bringing back Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who spent the first eight-plus seasons of his NFL career in Philadelphia. The move gives the team experience, leadership and another reliable receiving option during a difficult stretch.
Breaking Zach Ertz News Comes After Goedert MCL Sprain
Goedert suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans. According to sources cited by ESPN and NFL Network, the 31-year-old tight end is likely to miss a few weeks while recovering.
Goedert left the game in the second quarter after being targeted twice and recording one catch for four yards. The injury is a major concern for Philadelphia because he is coming off the strongest season of his career. In 2025, Goedert set career highs with 60 receptions and 11 receiving touchdowns.
The Eagles had already been hit by injuries in the tight end room. Rookie Eli Stowers, the team’s second-round pick, is on injured reserve with a quad and hamstring issue. Veteran Grant Calcaterra is also on injured reserve because of a back injury.
A Powerful Veteran Addition for Philadelphia
With Goedert, Stowers and Calcaterra unavailable, Johnny Mundt and E.J. Jenkins were the only healthy tight ends on Philadelphia’s 53-man roster. Both players are viewed primarily as blocking tight ends, making Ertz’s return especially important for the passing game.
The 35-year-old Ertz has been working his way back from an ACL tear suffered in December. He is reportedly in good health and now has an opportunity to rejoin the franchise where he built his reputation as one of the league’s most dependable tight ends.
- Ertz made three Pro Bowls during his Philadelphia career.
- He helped the Eagles win their first Super Bowl championship during the 2017 season.
- He is only 11 receptions away from breaking Harold Carmichael’s franchise record of 589 catches.
- His 825 career receptions rank fifth among tight ends in NFL history.
- His 8,592 receiving yards rank eighth all time among tight ends.
Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in October 2021 after more than eight seasons with Philadelphia. He later continued his career elsewhere, but his return carries obvious emotional and practical significance for the Eagles.
Why Zach Ertz’s Return Matters Now
Philadelphia’s offense has relied on the tight end position as an important part of its offensive structure. Goedert’s injury removes a proven target, while the team’s remaining healthy options have more limited experience as pass catchers.
Ertz may not immediately replace everything Goedert provides, particularly in terms of athleticism and weekly workload. However, his route-running, hands and understanding of the Eagles’ system could help stabilize the offense while the team waits for injured players to return.
His familiarity with Philadelphia’s organization also gives the move added value. Ertz knows the coaching staff, the city, the expectations surrounding the Eagles and the pressure that comes with playing meaningful games for the franchise.
General manager Howie Roseman praised Ertz in August, calling him “one of the greatest tight ends to play the game.” At that time, Roseman also expressed confidence in the team’s existing tight end group. The latest injuries have changed the situation quickly.
Coach Nick Sirianni said Monday that Roseman would do everything possible to help the roster if the Eagles had to play without Goedert. The decision to reunite with Ertz appears to be the first major response to that challenge.
What Comes Next for the Eagles
Ertz’s addition does not guarantee that he will immediately assume a full-time role. Because he is joining the practice squad and returning from a serious knee injury, Philadelphia will likely assess his conditioning and readiness before determining how quickly he can contribute on game day.
Still, the timing is striking. The Eagles are coming off a win, but the victory came with a costly injury to one of their most important offensive players. Ertz now has a chance to help his former team while moving closer to a historic franchise milestone.
For Philadelphia, the reunion is both nostalgic and urgent. For Ertz, it represents an opportunity to finish what he started with the Eagles and potentially reclaim the franchise’s all-time reception record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Eagles bringing back Zach Ertz?
The Eagles are adding Zach Ertz because Dallas Goedert suffered an MCL sprain and is expected to miss several weeks. Other tight ends, including Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra, are also unavailable.
How long could Dallas Goedert be out?
Goedert is likely to miss a few weeks, according to sources cited by ESPN and NFL Network. The exact timetable will depend on his recovery and additional medical evaluations.
What is Zach Ertz’s connection to Philadelphia?
Ertz spent more than eight seasons with the Eagles, made three Pro Bowls and helped the team win its first Super Bowl championship during the 2017 season.
How close is Ertz to the Eagles’ reception record?
Ertz is 11 receptions short of Harold Carmichael’s franchise record of 589 receptions. He currently has 578 catches as an Eagle.
