The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a significant challenge in their tight end corps due to multiple injuries. In response, the team has decided to bring back a familiar face, Zach Ertz, a former Super Bowl champion who previously played for the Eagles for nearly a decade. This move aims to bolster the team's roster as they navigate the early weeks of the NFL season.
Philadelphia Eagles Welcome Back Zach Ertz Amidst Tight End Crisis
In a crucial move to address their mounting injury concerns, the Philadelphia Eagles announced on Monday, September 21, 2026, their decision to sign veteran tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Ertz is anticipated to be elevated to the 53-man roster for the Eagles' upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
This reunion marks a significant moment for both Ertz and the Eagles. Ertz previously spent nine successful seasons with the Philadelphia franchise before being traded during Nick Sirianni's initial year as head coach. His return is prompted by a critical shortage at the tight end position, as the team grapples with several key players sidelined due to injury.
The Eagles learned this past Monday that their primary tight end, Dallas Goedert, will be out for several weeks due to a sprained MCL. This injury, while not a season-ender, severely depletes the team's depth. Further exacerbating the situation, rookie Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra are both currently on injured reserve, leaving Johnny Mundt and E.J. Jenkins as the only healthy tight ends on the active roster.
Given these circumstances, the decision to bring back the 35-year-old Ertz was a pragmatic one. Ertz is a proven pass-catching tight end who started his NFL career with the Eagles in 2013. Despite having played under Sirianni for only a brief period and lacking direct experience with offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's system, Ertz's deep familiarity with the Eagles organization is expected to enable him to seamlessly integrate and contribute to the team's offense as early as next Monday night.
Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals during the 2021 season as Goedert emerged as the team's top tight end. Since then, Ertz has also had stints with Washington and a brief playoff appearance with Detroit. He is just 11 catches shy of becoming the Eagles' all-time leader in receptions, a testament to his impactful tenure with the team.
The current Eagles' tight end depth chart, reflecting the recent injuries and additions, now stands as: Dallas Goedert* (out with MCL sprain), Zach Ertz, Grant Calcaterra** (on injured reserve), Eli Stowers** (on injured reserve), Johnny Mundt, and E.J. Jenkins. With Goedert out and two other tight ends on injured reserve, Ertz has a clear opportunity to secure significant targets, provided he is physically ready to perform. Mundt and Jenkins will round out the healthy options, potentially for an extended period, depending on Goedert's recovery timeline.
The Eagles' decision to bring back Zach Ertz highlights the critical role of experienced players in navigating the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Injuries are an inherent part of the game, and teams must be prepared to adapt quickly. Ertz's return not only fills a significant void but also injects a sense of nostalgia and renewed hope among fans. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best solution lies in familiar talent, especially when that talent brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the team's culture. This move could prove to be a crucial factor in the Eagles' ability to maintain their momentum and contend in the coming weeks.
