Zach Ertz Reportedly Plans to Play in 2026 NFL Season Amid Injury Rehab, Return Timeline Revealed

Despite tearing his ACL late in the 2025 season, veteran tight end Zach Ertz is planning to return to the NFL for a 14th year.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Ertz wants to play in 2026 and is rehabbing with the expectation he will be cleared around Week 1 of the regular season.

Ertz, who spent last season with the Washington Commanders, suffered the injury in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings when he landed awkwardly trying to make a catch.

Prior to the injury, Ertz was having a productive year for the Commanders. He still finished second on the team in receptions (50) and receiving touchdowns (four) and third in receiving yards (504), despite missing the final four games.

The torn ACL marked the third time in the last four years that Ertz has missed at least four games due to a major injury. He tore the ACL in his other knee late in the 2022 season.

A quadriceps injury landed him on injured reserve midway through the 2023 campaign.

Ertz was able to play in all 17 games for the Commanders in 2024, helping them reach the NFC Championship Game. He caught 66 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. It was his most receptions and receiving yards in a season since 2021.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Ertz turned 35 on Nov. 10. He was the third-oldest active tight end in the NFL last season, behind Marcedes Lewis (41) and Travis Kelce (36).

This is not a deep free-agent market for tight ends, especially with Kyle Pitts reportedly set to receive the franchise tag from the Atlanta Falcons, so a player like Ertz could be a good value bet for a club looking to boost its depth at the position.

Given his age and injury history, Ertz could end up getting a one-year, incentive-laden deal. It's not a bad bet for a team to make if he can get back to full strength close to the start of the regular season.