MINNEAPOLIS, US NEWS: In a lopsided 31 to 0 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the Washington Commanders endured a significant setback when tight end Zach Ertz suffered what appears to be a torn ACL, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Quinn indicated that initial assessments point to a severe injury, and Ertz is scheduled for additional imaging on Monday to determine the full extent. The 35 year old veteran was injured late in the third quarter, with 2 minutes and 10 seconds remaining, as he extended for a pass on second and 11. Vikings safety Jay Ward delivered a hit to Ertz’s right leg, causing him to collapse immediately. Trainers assisted Ertz off the field since he could not bear weight on the leg, and he was later taken to the locker room on a cart, his head covered by a towel. The team officially ruled him out with a knee injury early in the fourth quarter.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin highlighted Ertz’s importance to the squad. He is one of the linchpins of our team, McLaurin said. I am not going to lie, it was tough for everybody.
Fellow tight end John Bates expressed deep admiration for Ertz, calling him an all time great who exemplifies professionalism. It breaks my heart when you see a great one like him get hurt, Bates said. He does everything the right way, the way things should be done. He is just a pros pro.
Ertz departed the locker room on crutches, his face showing signs of distress and emotion. This season, he has recorded 49 receptions for 493 yards and four touchdowns. Just last week, he advanced to fifth on the NFLs all time receptions list for tight ends, now totaling 825 catches.
Quinn praised Ertz’s resilience and spirit. This guy is one hell of a competitor in every way, the coach said. To see the frustration and emotion with that, all of us are feeling that.
The Commanders also dealt with another concern when quarterback Jayden Daniels exited the game and did not return after reinjuring his left elbow, which he had dislocated on November 9. The incident occurred with 8 minutes and 24 seconds left in the third quarter. After throwing an interception, Daniels attempted to pursue linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel but was blocked by cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, landing awkwardly on the elbow.
Daniels stayed down for about a minute before heading to the bench. Medical personnel examined him, removed a protective pad, and escorted him to the tent. Although listed as questionable to return, he remained on the sideline while Marcus Mariota stepped in to close out the game.
Quinn explained that Daniels was capable of reentering but the decision was made to keep him out given the Vikings commanding lead. As a team, at this point we were off and felt like that was the right call, Quinn said.
Daniels had been approved for contact earlier in the week and fully participated in practices on the final two days. Both he and the team aimed for him to feature in the remaining five games of the season. Quinn remains optimistic about Daniels potential return this year. It is an important development time for him, but there is no zero risk game, he said. You try to manage that. But for the development point of it, it is important.
This marks another interruption for Daniels, who has completed only four of his seven starts this season due to injuries. He previously missed games with a sprained knee for two weeks, a hamstring issue for one, and the elbow dislocation for three. Against the Vikings, Daniels went 9 for 20 passing, accumulating 78 yards and one interception before leaving.
Teammates commended Daniels for his determination on the play that led to his exit. Linebacker Bobby Wagner noted the ongoing discussions about Daniels durability but emphasized his grit. We all understand the conversation that has been around him, Wagner said. He is a true competitor, a true fighter. It is one of those fluke plays. Who does not want their quarterback to hustle and try to save a touchdown?