The Arizona Cardinals have announced that tight end Zach Ertz will be placed on injured reserve after sustaining a quad strain in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. This news comes as a blow to the Cardinals, who are already dealing with injuries to key players such as quarterback Kyler Murray and running back James Conner.
Ertz, who will turn 33 on November 10, has had a solid season so far, catching 27 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown. However, he had a relatively quiet game in Week 7, hauling in only three receptions for 19 yards on four targets.
This is not the first time Ertz has dealt with injuries. Last season, he played in 10 games before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Despite his injury history, Ertz has been a valuable asset for the Cardinals since being traded to Arizona by the Philadelphia Eagles in October 2021.
With Ertz sidelined, the Cardinals will be looking for other playmakers to step up. Kyler Murray is expected to return soon from his ACL surgery, but he may not have many reliable options to throw to. James Conner, the team’s leading rusher, is also on injured reserve with a knee injury. Ertz’s absence will further limit the Cardinals’ offensive firepower.
However, this presents an opportunity for Trey McBride, a second-round draft pick in 2022. McBride has shown promise and is poised to become Arizona’s top tight end option. The Cardinals will need him to step up and provide a threat alongside receiver Marquise Brown.
From a fantasy football perspective, McBride has the potential to put up TE1 numbers now that Ertz is out of the picture. With increased playing time, McBride could emerge as a valuable asset for fantasy teams in need of a tight end. However, it’s worth noting that Murray has not yet returned, and starting any Cardinals player against the Baltimore Ravens this week may not be advisable.
Looking back at Ertz’s career, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent the first 8 1/2 seasons of his career in Philadelphia before being traded to Arizona. In his time with the Cardinals, Ertz has recorded 130 receptions for 1,167 yards and eight touchdowns. Throughout his career, he has amassed impressive numbers, with 709 catches for 7,434 yards and 46 touchdowns.
In conclusion, the Arizona Cardinals will have to navigate through another injury setback as they place Zach Ertz on injured reserve. With key players like Kyler Murray and James Conner also dealing with injuries, the Cardinals will need other playmakers to step up. Trey McBride has the potential to fill the void left by Ertz and could be a valuable asset for fantasy football teams. Despite the setback, Ertz has had an impressive career and has been a valuable contributor to both the Eagles and the Cardinals.