One of the city's all-time great athletes and philanthropists is back. The Philadelphia Eagles aren't asking Zach Ertz to be their long-term answer at tight end. They need him to help stabilize the position until Dallas Goedert and their injured young players return. Ertz is signing with Philadelphia’s practice squad after Goedert suffered a sprained MCL against the Tennessee Titans. Goedert is expected to miss several weeks, leaving Johnny Mundt and E.J. Jenkins at the top of the active depth chart. Mundt is a dependable blocker, but he has never recorded more than 19 receptions in a season. Jenkins remains an unproven receiving option. Rookie Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra are on injured reserve and cannot provide immediate help.
That made
Ertz the most logical candidate when the Eagles considered adding an outside tight end.
Ertz already has experience catching passes from Jalen Hurts. The two overlapped in Philadelphia during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before Ertz was traded to Arizona. His familiarity with the quarterback, organization, and expectations should reduce the normal adjustment period associated with an in-season signing. Ertz can contribute as a third-down target, work the middle of the field, and give Hurts another red-zone option.
The practice-squad designation also allows Philadelphia to control the timeline. Ertz can start learning Sean Mannion’s offense and show he's physically ready before the Eagles elevate him for a game. Philadelphia does not need the Ertz of 2018. It needs a trustworthy veteran who can keep the position functional until Goedert returns.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: What Zach Ertz’s return means for Eagles after Goedert injury
