Philadelphia Eagles fans are seeing a familiar name return to the organization as Zach Ertz is set to rejoin the team after Dallas Goedert suffered a knee injury. The veteran tight end is returning to Philadelphia at an important point in the 2026 NFL season, bringing experience, familiarity and a notable piece of Eagles history with him.
According to the supplied reports, Ertz is signing with the Eagles’ practice squad with an expected move to the 53-man roster. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that Ertz could eventually suit up for Philadelphia’s upcoming Monday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Zach Ertz returns to Philadelphia
The Zach Ertz Eagles reunion comes after Dallas Goedert suffered a sprained MCL. Goedert left Philadelphia’s 24-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter after recording one catch for four yards. Reports indicate the MCL sprain is expected to keep Goedert out for a few weeks.
That injury created an immediate need at tight end for the Eagles, opening the door for Ertz to return to the franchise where he spent nearly nine seasons.
Ertz originally joined Philadelphia after the Eagles selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He remained with the organization until a 2021 trade sent him to the Arizona Cardinals.
Zach Ertz chasing Eagles history
Beyond providing veteran depth, Ertz’s return carries significant historical importance.
Ertz enters the reunion with 579 receptions as an Eagle, according to NDTV Sports. That leaves him 11 catches behind Pro Football Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael, who holds Philadelphia’s franchise record with 589 receptions.
Ertz is also within reach of another Eagles receiving milestone. He is reported to be 179 receiving yards behind Mike Quick for fourth place on Philadelphia’s all-time receiving-yardage list.
If Ertz gets enough opportunities after returning to the active roster, his comeback could therefore become more than an injury-related addition.
Ertz’s Eagles legacy
The 35-year-old tight end already has a strong legacy in Philadelphia. Ertz was an important part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship season in 2017.
During Philadelphia’s victory over the New England Patriots, Ertz made a crucial fourth-down reception before scoring the go-ahead touchdown. He also earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2017 through 2019.
His time with Philadelphia established Ertz as one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history. The Eagles are now bringing that experience back at a time when their tight end depth has been affected by injuries.
What happened to Zach Ertz before his Eagles return?
Ertz spent the previous two seasons with the Washington Commanders. His 2025 campaign ended prematurely after he tore the ACL in his right knee during a December 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
NDTV Sports reported that Ertz had been rehabbing his right knee before returning to Philadelphia. The team initially placed him on the practice squad, giving him a path toward eventual game action.
This means the current Zach Ertz injury storyline is different from the sprained MCL affecting Goedert. Ertz’s recent major injury was an ACL tear, while Goedert is dealing with an MCL sprain.
Zach Ertz career numbers
Ertz has built an extensive NFL résumé since entering the league in 2013. He ranks fifth among tight ends in NFL history with 825 receptions and has 54 postseason catches, according to the supplied NDTV report.
With Washington in 2025, Ertz recorded 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns before his season-ending ACL injury.
Now, his return to Philadelphia gives him another opportunity to contribute while potentially moving closer to the Eagles’ all-time receptions record.
Eagles news: What comes next for Zach Ertz?
The immediate focus will be on Ertz’s progression from the practice squad to the active roster. The supplied reports indicate that Philadelphia expects to elevate him to the 53-man roster, with the possibility of playing against Chicago on Monday Night Football.
For the Eagles, the move addresses a sudden need created by Goedert’s MCL sprain. For Ertz, it represents a return to the franchise where he spent the majority of his career and helped win a Super Bowl.
The biggest storyline could ultimately be the reception record. With 579 catches as an Eagle and Carmichael’s mark at 589, Ertz needs 11 receptions to become Philadelphia’s all-time leader in catches.
Zach Ertz is therefore returning to the Eagles with both an immediate football role and a significant piece of franchise history within reach.
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