Will Zach Ertz play this weekend? Explaining tight finish’s standing after commerce from Eagles to Cardinals

After their 28-22 loss to the Buccaneers on Thursday evening, the Eagles introduced on Friday morning that they’re buying and selling three-time Professional Bowl tight finish Zach Ertz to the undefeated Cardinals (5-0). 

Ertz has performed with the Eagles for everything of his eight-plus-year profession. By means of six video games this season, Ertz has 189 receiving yards and two touchdowns. According to ESPN, Ertz is on 48.6 p.c of fantasy rosters. 

Eagles vp and normal supervisor Howie Roseman said Ertz was conscious that Thursday evening’s recreation was doubtlessly his final as an Eagle. The staff allowed him to be a captain for the sport, and Ertz appeared emotional afterward.

Talking with the media Friday morning after the commerce was introduced, Ertz was emotional whereas discussing what his “residence” means to him.

“Philadelphia is residence,” Ertz mentioned, via NBCSPhilly. “That was robust to articulate to folks, that I really like this place. I’ve mentioned all of it alongside. I cherished it right here. I did the most effective I might, day by day. I can depart understanding that.”

Considered one of Ertz’s largest moments as an Eagle was catching the ultimate landing move in Tremendous Bowl LII to safe Philadelphia’s first Tremendous Bowl win. He additionally completed his profession as an Eagle with the second-most receptions in staff historical past.

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Here is why and the way the Cardinals traded for the star tight finish.

Will Zach Ertz play this weekend?

Ertz received’t make his Cardinals debut till Week 7 in opposition to the Texans on Sunday, Oct. 24. NFL gamers can’t compete in two video games in a single week, and since Ertz performed Thursday evening with the Eagles, he might be sidelined for the Cardinals’ matchup in opposition to the Browns on Sunday.

The one different lively Cardinals tight finish on their depth chart is Demetrius Harris, who would not have any receiving yards this season.

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Why did the Eagles commerce Zach Ertz?

In 2020, the Eagles had been utilizing two tight ends 35 p.c of the time. Nevertheless, in 2021, that share has dropped to solely 22 p.c of the time. So, the Eagles took benefit of saving cash of their cap house by getting a participant and decide in return.

The Eagles plan to make use of Dallas Goedert in Ertz’s place. Goedert is in his closing yr on his rookie contract, so his future with the Eagles remains to be unsure after this season. Nevertheless, Goedert didn’t play Thursday evening as a result of he is on the COVID-19/sickness reserve listing. His return is unknown in the mean time.

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The Cardinals, alternatively, relied closely on Maxx Williams within the tight finish place. Nevertheless, throughout Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the 49ers, they misplaced Williams to a season-ending knee damage. Coach Kliff Kingsbury introduced Williams’ standing on Wednesday. Williams accomplished 193 receiving yards and one landing in 5 video games. Backup tight finish Darrell Daniels examined constructive for COVID-19 final week and hasn’t been reactivated on the roster but. So, the Cardinals had been in determined want of a good finish.

Zach Ertz commerce particulars

The Cardinals traded cornerback Tay Gowen and a 2022 fifth-round decide in trade for Ertz. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reviews that the Cardinals haven’t mentioned contract particulars with Ertz.