Zach Ertz, the veteran tight end for the Washington Commanders, suffered a serious knee injury that is feared to be a torn ACL during Washington’s game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 7, 2025.
The recent injury
Late in the third quarter of that game, Ertz took a hard hit over the middle, was flipped to the turf, and immediately signaled for medical help before being ruled out for the rest of the game. Head coach Dan Quinn told reporters afterward that the early indications suggested a possible torn ACL and that Ertz would undergo an MRI the next day to confirm the diagnosis.
Impact on his season and career
Before the injury, Ertz was having a productive 2025 season for Washington, with around 50 catches for just over 500 yards and four touchdowns, and he had recently moved into fifth place all time in receptions among NFL tight ends. At age 35 and set to be a free agent after the season, a torn ACL would raise questions about his recovery timeline and next contract, although the hope expressed around the team is that he can return healthy for the 2026 season.
