The Arizona Cardinals already knew they would be without star tight end Zach Ertz for the remainder of the 2022 season, but now the club may be at risk of missing him for the start of the season as well. ‘next year. As he accepted his team’s Man of the Year award on Thursday, Ertz revealed he underwent surgery to repair both its ACL and MCL. The hope is that Ertz will be ready for Week 1 next year, but he’s admittedly early in the process to have a clear timeline.
Ertz injured his knee who ruled him out for last year last month in Arizona’s Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Rams. At the time, it was first reported that the 32-year-old thought he avoided damaging his ACL. However, as Ertz explained, doctors discovered a minor tear during the operation and opted to repair it along with his other injury.
The three-time Pro Bowler arrived in Arizona during the 2021 campaign after being traded in October from the Philadelphia Eagles, the franchise with which he played his first nine years. Upon arriving at the Cardinals, Ertz proved to be a key weapon in the passing game, catching 56 passes for 574 yards and three touchdowns in his 11 games played in 2021.
This year, Ertz continued to play at a high level before injuring his knee and was on pace for arguably his best NFL season since his last Pro Bowl campaign in 2019. He was also on track to match his career. receiving touchdowns.
In his absence, the Cardinals lost two straight before spending their Week 13 bye and will now likely have to win to stay in the playoff conversation. That march will begin on Monday when they host the primetime New England Patriots.