The Commanders dealt with a number of new injuries on offense during their Sunday game. Among the players who exited was tight end Zach Ertz. 
Ertz was carted off the field after injuring his knee. Shortly thereafter, the three-time Pro Bowler was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. When speaking to the media after the game, head coach Dan Quinn said (via Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic) there is concern about an ACL tear. Concerningly, he added “the early signs aren’t good.”
Further testing, including an MRI, will no doubt take place in the near future. Provided the team’s fears wind up being confirmed, however, Ertz’s season will be over. The 35-year-old was emotional as he made his way off the field, a further indication he will be in store for a lengthy recovery process.
Ertz joined the Commanders on a one-year deal in 2024. The former Eagle and Cardinal played a key role in quarterback Jayden Daniels‘ stellar rookie campaign, scoring seven touchdowns and totaling 654 yards. To little surprise, another pact was worked out in March to ensure Ertz remained in Washington. He posted 493 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games entering today’s action.
The Commanders lost 31-0 against the Vikings on Sunday during a game in which Daniels suffered a new injury. The second-year passer had just returned from an elbow ailment, but Quinn indicated he will be able to play again this season. It remains to be seen if the same will also be true for Ertz, who has been in the NFL since 2013.
The Stanford product has not been linked to a retirement decision in the past, but a major injury such as an ACL tear could of course change his thinking on that front. Ertz is a pending free agent, so his outlook from a health standpoint will be critical in determining his future. The Commanders are now 3-10 on the year, and their attention will turn to preparing for 2026. In Ertz’s case, testing will determine if is able to play again this season.