Season Unravels Further as Commanders Lose Zach Ertz to Torn ACL

The Washington Commanders’ 2025 season has taken a stark turn from the promise of a year ago. After reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2024, Washington opened the current season with expectations of competing for a Super Bowl berth. Instead, the team has stumbled to a 3-10 record, falling far short of its projected trajectory.

Injuries have been a central theme of the disappointment, affecting nearly every part of the roster. What was already a taxing year became even more challenging during Sunday’s 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, when several key players were forced off the field. The defeat underscored how thin the Commanders’ lineup has become.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels exited for precautionary reasons after aggravating an elbow issue, but the most devastating moment came late in the third quarter. Tight end Zach Ertz suffered a severe knee injury after taking a low hit from Minnesota safety Jay Ward, resulting in immediate concern from teammates and medical staff.

On Monday, further testing confirmed the injury was season-ending, adding yet another setback to a campaign already defined by misfortune. For Ertz, the diagnosis carries long-term implications that extend beyond Washington’s fading season.

1. Injury Details and Immediate Impact

Zach Ertz’s injury occurred on a second-and-long passing play when Ward made a low tackle that twisted the veteran tight end’s knee awkwardly. Ertz remained on the ground in visible pain before being carted off, a moment that foreshadowed the severity of the injury. By Monday afternoon, the Commanders officially announced he had torn his ACL. The injury is the second season-ending knee issue of Ertz’s career. He previously tore his MCL in 2022 while with the Arizona Cardinals, an injury he recovered from under the security of a multi-year contract. This time, the circumstances are far less stable. Ertz is set to enter free agency in the offseason, clouding his future in Washington and possibly in the NFL. For the Commanders, the loss removes one of their most reliable pass catchers in an already depleted offense. Ertz had functioned as a key outlet for Washington’s rotating group of quarterbacks, consistently providing short-area production and veteran poise. Given Washington’s struggles to generate explosive plays, Ertz’s role as a safety valve has been crucial. Replacing his presence — both as a receiver and in the locker room — represents another obstacle for a team already attempting to regroup amid a difficult season.

2. Ertz’s 2025 Production and Career Standing

Despite the Commanders’ offensive inconsistencies, Ertz delivered steady production throughout the season. He logged 50 receptions on 72 targets for 504 yards and four touchdowns across 13 games, reaffirming his value as one of the NFL’s most dependable tight ends even at age 35. His career résumé further highlights his significance. Ertz ranks fifth all-time among tight ends in receptions, eighth in receiving yards and 11th in touchdown catches — numbers that place him firmly within the conversation of the most accomplished players at his position. Metrics from Pro Football Reference suggest that he surpasses the typical Hall of Fame averages in two of the three major statistical categories. Whether those credentials will ultimately lead to Hall consideration remains an open question, but the production speaks to a long and impactful career. It also underscores the magnitude of the loss for Washington, both statistically and emotionally. Ertz had become a stabilizing figure during a turbulent season, and his absence leaves a void that extends far beyond the box score.

3. Commanders’ Broader Struggles and Uncertain Future

The Commanders’ season has spiraled due to a combination of regression and attrition. An aging defense has struggled to replicate last year’s breakthrough, while a rash of offensive injuries has prevented the team from sustaining any rhythm. With four games remaining, Washington is trending toward a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — a far cry from the postseason aspirations that defined the start of the year. Daniels’ recurring elbow issue adds another point of concern, complicating the development timeline of a young quarterback expected to be central to the franchise’s future. Ertz’s injury only deepens the challenge; the offense loses one of its most trusted targets at a time when stability is needed most. Looking ahead, Washington faces difficult decisions. Ertz’s free-agent status leaves the door open for change at tight end, and the front office must evaluate how to rebuild a roster that has underperformed despite showing promise in prior seasons. The team’s upcoming draft position could offer opportunities to reshape its depth and long-term foundation. For now, the focus shifts to playing out the remaining schedule and finding ways to compete amid ongoing adversity. The loss of Ertz marks another hard blow in a season defined by them.