Commanders' Update Zach Ertz Status vs. Buccaneers

The Washington Commanders needed veteran leadership on this team. New coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters brought in a few guys they believe can help to lead this team on and off the field.

One of those players was Zach Ertz. The former Cardinals tight end played under new Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury when he was the head coach in Arizona.

Ertz was held out of games for the entire preseason to give rookie tight end Ben Sinnott time to get acclimated to the NFL. On Tuesday, coach Dan Quinn gave a more detailed explanation.

"We've been very intentional about him and we have to actually protect Zach from Zach,” Quinn says. “You know, he just ready to go and wants more and more. The thing that I've been impressed with in the passing game, especially as he gets down to the red zone, I think is where Zach comes alive the most.

Ertz has caught 46 career touchdowns over his 11 seasons in the NFL. His ability to get open and find the perfect spot to get the ball and score is what made him a three-time Pro Bowler.

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“He's got just feel and eyes. He's able to share that information, and when you can share feedback with teammates, with coaches, 'Hey, I can see LB Frankie Luvu's alignment', what that means. You could see how valuable that would be.”

The veteran tight end is 32 and he knows that his days in the league are numbered, but he wanted to come back this year and prove everyone wrong after a dismal 2023.

Ertz will be on the field ready to go when the Commander hit the road for Week 1 to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.