Zach Ertz, Eagles Reuniting as Dallas Goedert Sprains MCL
Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates after a victory against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
In a close Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans, Dallas Goedert went down with a sprained MCL, and he is still likely to miss a few weeks.
With Goedert turning 32 this January, he has seen his production only increase over the last few seasons, with last season being his best. Nevertheless, he has also seen injuries be a massive issue, as his rookie season is the only year he managed to play every game. Now, after just two games, the injury bug returned early on in Tennessee, coming right after a two-touchdown performance in Week 1.
In these next few weeks, the Eagles play strong defenses in the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Carolina Panthers, and the gap between Johnny Mundt and Goedert was apparent in the second half of the Titans game.
With the lack of tight end depth, the Eagles have brought in franchise legend and Goedert’s former mentor.
Zach Ertz is returning to Philadelphia and signing with the Eagles’ practice squad. He is expecting to be promoted and play Monday night against the Bears.
Ertz, currently recovering from an ACL tear, has passed his nine-month post-operation milestone within the last few weeks. He has been cleared for football activity for a few months now. However, Ertz’s biggest concern is not the injury on its own, but his age. Ertz is the second-oldest tight end in the NFL, only younger than Travis Kelce. Even with his age, Ertz put up serviceable stats in 2025, with 50 catches for over 500 yards. Due to the injury, these numbers come in just 13 games, showing that even at almost 36, Ertz still has the capabilities of a starting tight end. In his last two seasons, he has recorded 116 catches for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Ertz now has the opportunity to continue his legacy as an Eagle. The Super Bowl 52 champion is only 11 catches away from passing Harold Carmichael for the franchise record for any receiver. Ertz already holds the single-season receptions franchise record after catching 116 passes in 2018. He also ranks fifth in franchise history with 6,267 receiving yards and is the Eagles’ most productive tight end.
Ertz also gains an opportunity to advance up the ladder in the Hall of Fame conversation, sitting just 700 yards away from passing Rob Gronkowski in all-time receiving yards, and seven touchdowns away from seventh all-time in receiving touchdowns.
Isaac Baranski
Isaac is a high-school senior who currently attends the Hun School of Princeton. In his free time, he has many interests, but most of all is his love for Philadelphia sports. He has watched the 76ers since the days of Sam Hinkie and hopes to watch the process be completed. He has also watched the Phillies since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and the great crew, and hopes to see Red October finally achieve its goal. Along with that, he picked up a love for the Philadelphia Union shortly before the pandemic and has seen them win multiple Supporters’ Shields in person. Lastly, and most importantly, he is a major football lover and an even bigger Eagles lover. Since developing his love for The Birds in elementary school, he has made it his goal to never miss a game.
Get New Articles Emailed Right To Your Inbox:
