The Philadelphia Eagles are bringing a familiar target back into the building, signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad as the club deals with injuries at the position.
Ertz, 35, is working his way back from the torn ACL he sustained last season with the Washington Commanders. His return gives Philadelphia experienced depth behind a tight end group that took two significant hits, with Dallas Goedert sidelined by an MCL sprain suffered Sunday and rookie Eli Stowers on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury.
The move reunites Ertz with the franchise that selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. During nine seasons in Philadelphia, he became one of the most productive pass catchers in team history, totaling 579 receptions for 6,267 yards and 38 touchdowns. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and was a central figure on the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII.
After leaving Philadelphia, Ertz spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before playing two years in Washington. He enters his latest Eagles stint with 825 career catches, 8,592 receiving yards and 57 touchdown receptions.
Philadelphia’s decision initially places Ertz on the practice squad, but the injuries ahead of him could create a quick route to the active roster. If he is elevated and contributes in games, he will have a chance to move into first place on the Eagles’ all-time receptions list.
Harold Carmichael holds the franchise mark with 589 catches. Ertz needs 11 receptions to pass him, placing a historic milestone within reach if the veteran can return to game action for the Eagles.
