Zach Ertz Injury: Updates on Eagles TE's Shoulder, Rib and Return

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz suffered shoulder and rib injuries against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. He hadn't played since, but he is ready to return. 

Continue for updates.

---

Ertz Active vs. Lions

Sunday, Oct. 9

The Eagles announced Ertz is available against Detroit in Week 5.

---

Latest on Ertz's Practice Status

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Tim McManus of ESPN.com reported Ertz was a full participant in Friday's practice. 

---

Ertz Comments on Injury

Thursday, Sept. 22

"I’m not in a lot of pain right now," Ertz said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Zach Berman on Thursday. "It’s just a matter of healing."

"There’s a lot of stuff behind that rib," Ertz added, per Berman. "If it was a lower rib where the pain is now, I’d easily be able to play last week." 

---

Ertz Looking to Validate Offseason Extension

Ertz caught six passes for 58 yards in the matchup with the Browns, good enough for second in both categories among Philadelphia's receivers.

Following a sluggish start to the 2015 season, Ertz closed out the year in impressive fashion. Over his final four games, he caught 35 passes for 450 yards and a touchdown. That stretch accounted for nearly half of his overall output—Ertz finished with 75 receptions for 853 yards and two touchdowns.

The Eagles turned some heads in January when they signed the 25-year-old to a five-year extension worth $42.5 million. According to Over the Cap, only five tight ends are earning a higher average salary.

While the price seemed somewhat high for Ertz, he was one of the better players at the position in the NFL in 2015 and has improved incrementally during each of his three seasons in the league. Ertz also brings a nice balance of pass-catching and blocking that is becoming less common in today's NFL.