The Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad on Monday, addressing an immediate need at the position following an injury to starter Dallas Goedert.
Goedert, the Eagles' primary red-zone target, suffered a sprained MCL in Week 2 and is expected to miss multiple weeks. The move comes after backup tight ends Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra were placed on injured reserve, leaving the position thin behind Goedert.
Ertz, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, returns to Philadelphia after spending the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the division-rival Washington Commanders. He ranks second in franchise history with 579 receptions, needing just 11 more to surpass Harold Carmichael’s record of 589. Ertz also holds franchise records for career receiving yards (6,267) and touchdowns (38) among tight ends. His lone Super Bowl appearance with the Eagles came in 2018, when he caught the game-winning touchdown in a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots.
The Eagles' decision to sign Ertz to the practice squad allows him time to condition before an expected promotion to the active roster. General manager Howie Roseman sought immediate depth at the position, with quarterback Jalen Hurts relying heavily on Goedert in the red zone prior to his injury. Goedert had recorded 77 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 before exiting the Week 2 game.
Ertz’s return marks a reunion with the franchise that drafted him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent his first nine seasons with Philadelphia, earning three Pro Bowl selections and playing a pivotal role in the team’s Super Bowl LII victory. Last season with Washington, Ertz recorded 504 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 13 games before a late-season ACL tear ended his year.
The Eagles now have Ertz on the practice squad, with developmental tight end E.J. Jenkins and practice squad veteran Joshua Deguara as the only healthy alternatives behind Goedert. The team’s depth chart at tight end remains a point of concern until Goedert’s return or further roster moves are made.