Zach Ertz Aims to Play in 2026 After Torn ACL

Veteran tight end determined to return from serious knee injury.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:55pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of deep blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the raw physicality and determination of an athlete striving to overcome a major injury.A cubist interpretation of a determined NFL veteran fighting to overcome a career-threatening injury and finish his playing days on his own terms.Philadelphia Today

Zach Ertz, the veteran NFL tight end, has confirmed his plans to play in the 2026 season despite suffering a torn ACL in his 13th year with the Commanders. Ertz is currently rehabbing the injury with the goal of being ready for training camp, as he does not want his career to end on that final play.

Why it matters

Ertz is a respected veteran who has been a productive player throughout his career. His determination to return from a major knee injury at his age speaks to his competitive drive and desire to finish his career on his own terms.

The details

Ertz tore his ACL in the 13th game of the 2025 season while playing for the Commanders. Despite the serious nature of the injury, the 34-year-old free agent is working hard in his rehabilitation with the hope of proving he can still contribute at a high level in the NFL.

  • Ertz suffered the torn ACL injury in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season.
  • In February 2026, reports surfaced that Ertz wanted to play in the 2026 season.

The players

Zach Ertz

A veteran NFL tight end who has played 13 seasons in the league, most recently with the Commanders. He is currently a free agent as he recovers from a torn ACL injury.

Commanders

The NFL team Ertz was playing for when he suffered his torn ACL injury in the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want it to be the last play that I have. Even talking to people now, and they do it out of the goodness of their heart, and [they say], 'Man, that injury was tough.' When people think of my career and that last play, I don't want that to be the conversation starter. And so, for me, it's just doing everything I can to get back to my best because I felt like I was playing really good football before I got hurt.”

— Zach Ertz

What’s next

Ertz will need to find an NFL team willing to sign him as a free agent and give him a chance to prove he can return to form after the torn ACL injury. The upcoming 2026 training camp and preseason will be crucial for him to demonstrate he is healthy and still has the ability to contribute at a high level.

The takeaway

Zach Ertz's determination to not let a serious knee injury be the final chapter of his NFL career is an inspiring example of a veteran player's competitive spirit and desire to finish on his own terms. If he can successfully rehab the injury and find the right opportunity, Ertz could provide valuable experience and leadership to a team in need of a reliable tight end.