Eagles fan-favorite Zach Ertz returns to Philly amid injury concerns on offense
Philadelphia Eagles add veteran tight end Zach Ertz to practice squad after Dallas Goedert injury
The Philadelphia Eagles officially returned tight end Zach Ertz to the team’s practice squad on Monday, bringing the former Super Bowl LII hero back to his hometown club. The 35‑year‑old veteran signed a one‑year contract that will allow him to get back into shape before the Eagles add him to the active roster.
The move came after the Eagles’ starting tight end, Dallas Goedert, suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in the team’s 24‑20 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Goedert will be sidelined for several weeks, and the depth chart at the position has become thin. Backup tight ends Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra are currently on injured reserve, while only developmental player E.J. Jenkins and practice‑squad veteran Joshua Deguara remain healthy.
Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ general manager, said the team needed a quick answer at the tight‑end slot. “We had an immediate need and Zach Ertz was a perfect fit for that,” Roseman told reporters after signing him.
Ertz left the Eagles in 2021 after nine seasons and had become one of the franchise’s all‑time leaders. He ranks second in team history with 579 catches, just 11 behind Hall of Fame receiver Harold Carmichael’s 589. If he returns to action, Ertz would only need 11 more receptions to surpass Carmichael and become the Eagles’ all‑time receiving leader.
The veteran had a productive two‑year stint with the Washington Commanders. In 2024 he appeared in 13 games, catching 50 passes for 504 yards and three touchdowns before a late‑season knee injury ended his year. He returned the next season, posting similar numbers before the knee issue resurfaced.
Ertz’s return to Philadelphia is not only a tactical move for the tight‑end depth but also an opportunity for the veteran to re‑establish himself as a reliable third‑down option. With the Eagles’ offense already featuring a strong passing attack led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, Ertz’s experience and proven skill set could add valuable versatility.
The team plans to keep Ertz on the practice squad while he works on conditioning and getting reacquainted with the Eagles’ playbook. Once he’s ready, the club will likely promote him to the 53‑man roster for the remainder of the season.
The Eagles will look to mitigate the impact of Goedert’s injury while keeping Ertz’s veteran presence in mind as they move forward. The addition of a proven tight end should give the offense a boost, and the move underscores the organization’s willingness to rely on seasoned talent to fill gaps when they arise.