The Detroit Lions have come to terms on a contract with veteran tight end Zach Ertz following an injury to Brock Wright in the team’s 31-23 Divisional Round victory over Tampa Bay.
While the team stopped short of providing any kind of timeline for Wright’s forearm injury, head coach Dan Campbell indicated that it didn’t look good for his availability next weekend. Detroit’s other TE Sam LaPorta is also dealing some nicks and bruises picked up in his team’s Week 18 game vs. Minnesota, and is likely playing at less than 100%.
Initial reports indicate that Ertz will likely sign with the Lions’ practice squad, before ultimately being elevated ahead of their showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. The 33 year old was released by the Arizona Cardinals back in November, and has since been biding his time looking to latch on with a contender for a chance at capturing his 2nd career Super Bowl ring.
Steve Heiden, who is the Lions current TE coach, was also the TE coach for the Cardinals from 2021-22, making him intimately familiar with what the former Eagles standout can bring to the table. Especially in big game situations.
Ertz caught 7 passes for 67 yards and 1 TD in his team’s 41-33 victory over the Patriots back in the 2018 Super Bowl. However the California native hasn’t suited up for NFL action since October 22nd as he dealt with a quad strain that landed him on the injured reserve.
Nevertheless the former 3x Pro-Bowler will add some depth to a banged up Lions TE room as his new team hopes to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.
Photo: David. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.