Amidst a disappointing season for the Arizona Cardinals, Zach Ertz sought a fresh start, requesting his release from the team. After patiently waiting for the right opportunity, the veteran tight end found a new home with the Detroit Lions, who added him to their practice squad after weeks of anticipation.
With the NFC Conference Championship on the horizon, the Lions appeared poised to utilize Ertz’s experience and skill set against the San Francisco 49ers. However, amidst expectations of his contribution, the team made a surprising decision despite quarterback Jared Goff’s endorsement.
Zach Ertz is not included in Lion’s practice squad
Despite his extensive 11-year tenure in the NFL, Zach Ertz won’t be hitting the field against the Ravens, as the Lions have chosen not to activate the former Cardinals player in the practice squad.
The Lions made this decision amidst tight end Brock Wright’s absence due to a forearm injury, leaving Sam LaPorta and Anthony Firkser as the only available tight ends for Sunday’s game.
Despite expressing his eagerness to play in the upcoming AFC contest, Zach Ertz remains sidelined. Lions fans had hoped to witness his debut with the team against the Niners, but the Lions opted for a different approach, sparking speculation about their decision-making process.
The #Lions reportedly won't activate recently acquired TE Zach Ertz off their practice squad for Sunday's showdown with the San Francisco #49ers, per @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/7DayS0p7t5
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) January 27, 2024
The move came after the Lions’ head coach, Dan Campbell, maintained a noncommittal stance regarding Zach Ertz’s potential participation in the upcoming championship game against the San Francisco 49ers.
When asked about the possibility of Ertz being promoted to the active roster, Campbell emphasized the importance of timing, stating, “It’s just a matter of, ‘Is this the week to use him?'”
Jared Goff lauds Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz’s arrival in Detroit brought a glimmer of hope to the Lions’ offense, with the seasoned tight end boasting a memorable Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 season. Lions quarterback Jared Goff also could not resist expressing his admiration for their newly added player’s seamless integration into the team.
In this regard, Goff highlighted Ertz’s intelligence and adaptability during practice sessions just after having one practice session with him.
“He’s picked it up extremely fast. He really has. Really impressive, not that you didn’t expect that from a guy like him who’s been around for so long. I’ve known him here and there throughout the years, and just hearing about how smart he is and how well he can pick up things, he’s done it really well this week. It’s been good,” he said, per NBC Sports.
Excitement filled the air as Zach Ertz joined the Lions, eager to contribute to a young and ambitious team that has been making waves in the league. However, little did he know about the uncertainty brewing within the Lions’ locker room as they prepared for the pivotal matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Conference Championship.
Despite Ertz’s readiness and determination to make an impact on the field, his future with the Lions this season hinges on their performance in the upcoming clash against the 49ers. If the Lions fail to secure victory and advance to the Super Bowl, Ertz’s first stint with the team will be devoid of any game time in the record books.
