Zach Ertz tried it, but he won’t be wearing the uniform for the NFC title game. According to ESPN, the newly acquired tight end by the Detroit Lions will not be activated for the team’s game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. In an effort to strengthen its injured tight end situation, Detroit added Ertz to its practice squad on Monday.
The three-time Pro Bowler began the season with the Cardinals, but after requesting his release, he was cut in late November. Since then, Ertz has been available to sign with the Lions as a free agent.
When asked on Wednesday whether Ertz will be added to the active roster for the NFC title game, head coach Dan Campbell remained ambiguous. Campbell said,
“It’s just a matter of, ‘Is this the week to use him?'”
Zach Ertz is at Lions facility and is in shape, Dan Campbell said.
“It’s just a matter of: ‘Is this the week to use him?’” Campbell added. pic.twitter.com/NcpUCeoNwa
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) January 24, 2024
After losing Brock Wright to a forearm injury during Sunday’s 31-23 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions were in need of some tight end assistance. Wright, the team’s second-best tight end, hauled in one long ball for 29 yards during the victory. Sam LaPorta has been battling with an injury in addition to Wright’s injury. After hyperextending his left knee in Week 18, the rookie standout for the Lions has been wearing a brace ever since.
There didn’t seem to be any drawback for the Lions in this circumstance. Ertz still provides a ton of postseason experience, even if he isn’t activated. Over his career, the seasoned tight end has made five trips to the postseason, including the 2017 season when he won a Super Bowl with the Eagles. Ertz caught 18 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown during that postseason.