Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz will miss the preseason, but could be ready when the games that count kick off.
Eagles coach Chip Kelly said Friday, Ertz is dealing with a core issue.
"Zach has a core muscle injury and he's probably going to be out for a couple weeks," Kelly said. "I think he'll be back for Week 1 but I think now, he's out. He's with Dr. Meyers now. It'll be a couple weeks with him. But he's not gonna play in the preseason."
That is Dr. William Meyers, noted sports hernia specialist and go-to doctor for NFL core injuries -- he recently conducted Arian Foster's groin surgery.
The Eagles later confirmed Ertz underwent surgery to repair the core muscle injury. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reports the surgery was to the tight end's partially torn groin.
There was no update on Ertz's timetable other than Kelly's expectation he will be available for the season opener.Â
Core injuries can be lingering issues, so there is a chance Kelly's Week 1 diagnosis is on the optimistic end.
Ertz was slated for a bigger role in Kelly's offense, as the tight end can create mismatches. Kelly likes to utilize multiple-tight end formations to allow the Eagles to play fast while being a threat in both the run and passing game. The 24-year-old caught 58 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Dependable veteran Brent Celek will carry the load if Ertz misses any regular season action.
