Commanders TE Zach Ertz Tears ACL in Vikings Loss

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the team's 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

The injury occurred late in the third quarter when Ertz leaped for a pass from backup quarterback Marcus Mariota and was hit low by Vikings safety Jay Ward. The collision buckled Ertz's knee, sending him to the turf in visible pain. He remained down for several minutes, unable to bear weight on the leg, and was assisted by medical staff before being carted off the field with a towel over his head. Audio from the game captured Ertz telling a teammate, "No, no," and a trainer, "Bro, I don't think I can get up myself," as he expressed distress. Mariota, who had entered the game after starter Jayden Daniels aggravated a left elbow injury, later consoled Ertz on the sideline.

An MRI on Monday confirmed the torn ACL, and the Commanders placed Ertz on injured reserve. Head coach Dan Quinn announced the diagnosis, noting the veteran's impact on the team. "He has meant a lot to our team, both on and off the field," Quinn said. The 35-year-old Ertz, in his...