The Detroit Lions have made an important acquisition to their roster by signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz. This move comes after the unfortunate injury to Lions’ tight end Brock Wright during their recent divisional round victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Sam LaPorta being the only healthy tight end left on the team, the addition of Ertz brings much-needed depth and experience to the position.
The injury sustained by Brock Wright does not bode well for his availability in the upcoming NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. Lions’ coach Dan Campbell expressed concerns, stating that the situation does not “look good.” This puts more pressure on the Lions to find a reliable replacement, hence their decision to sign Zach Ertz.
Moreover, the Lions will also likely be missing one of their starting guards, Jonah Jackson, for the game against the 49ers. Jackson recently underwent surgery for a slight meniscus tear and is expected to miss the NFC title game. However, there is hope that he may return for the Super Bowl if the Lions manage to advance.
Zach Ertz, a proven veteran in the NFL, is expected to join the Lions’ practice squad before being elevated for the NFC Championship Game. The agreement between Ertz and the Lions was first reported by NFL Network, confirming his addition to the team. Ertz’s signing brings valuable experience and versatility to the tight end position.
At 33 years old, Ertz has had an impressive career in the NFL. He was released by the Arizona Cardinals in November, and it was reported that he specifically requested his release to join a team that is a contender for the Super Bowl. Ertz’s desire to make a run at his second Super Bowl ring, following his victory with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, showcases his hunger for success and determination.
It is worth noting that Ertz’s position coach with the Cardinals, Steve Heiden, is now the Lions’ tight ends coach. This pre-existing relationship between the coach and player should aid in Ertz’s transition into the Lions’ system, allowing for a smoother integration.
Despite being on injured reserve for a significant portion of the season, Ertz showcased his resilience by returning from an ACL and MCL injury suffered in 2022. In the 2023 season opener, he made a comeback and played in seven games, accumulating 27 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown. The three-time Pro Bowler has an impressive career stat line of 709 catches for 7,434 yards and 46 touchdowns over his 11 seasons in the league.
The addition of Zach Ertz to the Detroit Lions’ roster brings much-needed experience and depth to the tight end position. As the Lions prepare for the upcoming NFC Championship Game, the signing of Ertz provides a boost to their offense and increases their chances of success. Ertz’s proven track record, along with his desire to compete for another Super Bowl ring, makes him a valuable asset to the team. With the support of his former coach and the potential return of injured players like Jonah Jackson, the Lions’ prospects are looking brighter as they continue their journey in the playoffs.
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