(Update: The Commanders confirmed Zach Ertz suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the season)

Washington’s injury-plagued season took another major hit in Week 14 as veteran tight end Zach Ertz exited Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with what appears to be a season-ending knee injury. The Commanders, already dealing with quarterback Jayden Daniels’ elbow injury earlier in the game, watched one of their most reliable weapons go down in the third quarter after taking a low hit from Vikings safety Jay Ward.

Ertz Injured on Low Hit, Quickly Ruled Out

The injury occurred as Ertz elevated for a catch over the middle. Ward went low to break up the pass and collided directly with Ertz’s knee, sending the 34-year-old tight end immediately to the turf. He needed assistance from trainers, limped to the sideline, and entered the blue medical tent before being carted to the locker room.

Washington ruled him out within minutes, a sign the team feared a significant injury.

The Commanders entered Week 14 already decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball. Losing Ertz - one of Jayden Daniels’ most trusted veteran targets - only deepens the challenge as Washington continues to slide with a depleted roster.

A Strong Comeback Season Cut Short

Ertz returned to Washington in 2025 largely because of two factors:

  1. His connection with Kliff Kingsbury, with whom he won a championship at Arizona State, and

  2. His chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who heavily relied on him in the short and intermediate passing game.

After playing every game for Washington in 2024 and posting seven touchdowns, Ertz followed up with another productive campaign in 2025. Before the injury, he had:

  • 50 receptions

  • 4 touchdowns

  • A critical role as a security blanket for Daniels

If this injury is as serious as initially feared, it may abruptly halt what had been a strong 13th NFL season for the three-time Pro Bowler.

Zach Ertz Injury History

Ertz’s durability has fluctuated late in his career, with his most significant setback coming in Arizona:

2022 – Torn ACL & MCL (Arizona Cardinals)

In Week 10 against the Rams, Ertz suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, ending his season.
He underwent reconstructive surgery and spent the entire 2023 offseason — and much of the regular season — rehabbing before returning to action.

That major knee injury cast doubt on his long-term future, but Ertz fought his way back to full strength, eventually working his way into Kliff Kingsbury’s system in Washington.

2024 – Fully Healthy Season

Ertz rebounded with a complete, 17-game season in Washington, playing a key role in Kingsbury’s offense and proving he still had productive football left.

2025 – Another Knee Issue

While the exact diagnosis has yet to be confirmed, Washington’s immediate ruling-out suggests significant right knee structural damage. The team will schedule imaging to confirm the tests.

Impact on the Commanders Offense

The Commanders are already leaning on backup quarterback Brady Cook after Daniels’ exit and now must turn to John Bates and Cole Turner to handle tight end duties.

Ertz’s loss affects:

  • Third-down reliability

  • Red-zone efficiency

  • Leadership, as Ertz is one of the team’s most experienced voices

Washington's offense has struggled with consistency, and removing a trusted safety-valve tight end makes moving the chains even more difficult behind a banged-up offensive line.

Outlook

Ertz’s NFL future, especially at age 34, could depend on the severity of this injury. He has repeatedly stated he’d like to finish his career with Kingsbury and help develop Jayden Daniels - but that may hinge on whether he avoids another major ligament tear.

Washington will provide updates after further evaluation, but the early signs point toward a significant, season-ending setback for one of the league’s most respected veterans.

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