UPDATE: Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz was visibly emotional after sustaining a season-ending torn ACL during Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. This heartbreaking injury occurred in the third quarter of the Commanders’ 31-0 loss, and the impact is felt deeply across the team and fans alike.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Monday, December 8, 2025, that Ertz’s injury will conclude his season and potentially his career, as he is set to become a free agent after this year. “He has meant a lot to our team, both on and off the field,” Quinn stated. “We’re all bummed for him.”
The injury transpired as Ertz leaped to catch a pass, only to have Vikings safety Jay Ward collide with his right leg. The impact sent Ertz crashing to the ground, where he immediately clutched his knee in distress, and cameras captured him in tears as he was carted off the field. Teammate Marcus Mariota was seen attempting to console him during this emotional moment.
“It breaks my heart when you see a great one like him, an all-time great,” said tight end John Bates.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin echoed this sentiment, stating, “I ain’t going to lie; it was tough for everybody. He’s one of the linchpins of our team.”
The incident has sparked controversy, with fans and commentators questioning the legality of Ward’s hit. As of now, the NFL has not issued any disciplinary actions against him. Coach Kevin O’Connell defended Ward, emphasizing that there was “no bad intent” behind the play, describing it as unavoidable in the high-speed nature of football.
“The game is happening very, very fast. It’s the worst part of our game,” O’Connell explained. “Our job is to coach up the guys to make sure, if it’s avoidable, to do those things.”
Ertz, now 35, had shown resilience throughout the season, not missing a start since joining the Commanders in 2024. His 30 combined games over the past two seasons is more than he has played in any two-year span since 2018-19.
This devastating injury raises critical questions about Ertz’s future in the league, as he faces a lengthy recovery. With the season now over for him, attention turns to how the Commanders will fill the gap left by this veteran player.
As the Commanders prepare for their upcoming game against the New York Giants, the emotional weight of Ertz’s injury looms large. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts in his absence.
