Free-agent tight end Zach Ertz does not intend to go out on an injury.
Ertz, who tore his ACL in a Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 7, plans to return for a 14th NFL season in 2026, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday morning, per sources.
Pelissero added that Ertz, 35, is expected to be cleared around Week 1, which would be roughly nine months from injuring his knee.
An added wrinkle to Ertz's return is that the three-time Pro Bowler was on a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, meaning he'll need to venture through the open market during his rehab process.
Despite missing four games, Ertz put together a respectable campaign with the Commanders in 2025. He finished second on the team in catches (50) and receiving touchdowns (four) and placed third in receiving yards (504).
That effort moved his career numbers to 825 receptions, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns, respectively good for fifth, eighth and 11th all-time among tight ends.
One of the savviest route runners at the position, Ertz served as a perfect safety net for Jayden Daniels during the quarterback's progression through his first two seasons in the league. Ertz is long past his more dynamic prime with the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected him in the second round of the 2013 draft, so his knee injury is unlikely to prevent him from what he's done best in recent years -- finding the right gaps in coverage and being sure-handed when signal-callers have looked his way.
Whether he catches back on with the Commanders or finds a new home elsewhere remains to be seen, but Ertz will continue beyond an injury that initially felt could spell the end of a terrific career.
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