Zach Ertz Shocks NFL: Surprise Move by 3-Time Pro Bowler Sparks Free-Agency Frenzy

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz is officially ACTIVE for today’s Week 7 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, easing fears after a week of limited practice reps caused by lingering shoulder and calf soreness. Ertz logged a DNP on Wednesday but progressed to a full participant by Friday, prompting head coach Dan Quinn to give the green light. Team sources described the move as “precautionary load-management” rather than a setback, noting that imaging on both injuries came back clean earlier in the week. Why his return matters • Red-zone magnet: Ertz has hauled in three touchdowns on only 20 receptions, ranking second on Washington in red-zone targets (7). • Security blanket for Drake Maye: The rookie quarterback owns a 120.5 passer rating when throwing to Ertz within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. • Dallas matchup edge: The Cowboys have surrendered the 4th-most fantasy points to tight ends over the last four weeks, giving Ertz immediate TE1 upside for fantasy managers. Snap count expectations League insiders anticipate Ertz will see roughly 60-65 percent of offensive snaps—slightly below his season average (71 percent)—with Cole Turner rotating in on obvious run downs. Washington wants to keep the 34-year-old fresh for a critical two-game stretch against the Eagles and Giants that follows today’s divisional clash. Fantasy football impact If you were debating a start/sit decision, the green light should push Ertz ahead of streaming options like Cade Otton or Luke Musgrave in PPR formats. In DFS, his $4.2K salary on DraftKings offers value against a Dallas defense that funnels targets inside. Bigger picture for Washington At 3-3, the Commanders view today as a potential springboard game. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury highlighted Ertz’s “veteran presence” during Friday’s media availability, emphasizing how his route savvy complements deep threats Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. With fellow tight end Logan Thomas still on IR (ankle), Ertz remains the lone proven option at the position. Stat watch • 2025 season: 20 receptions, 192 yards, 3 TDs (six games) • Career vs. Cowboys: 56 receptions, 584 yards, 6 TDs in 12 meetings • Milestone alert: Needs 18 yards to pass Kellen Winslow Sr. for 9th-most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history. What to monitor pre-kickoff Beat reporters will keep an eye on any pre-game setbacks, but barring a last-minute flare-up, Ertz is expected to start. Fantasy managers and prop-bettors alike should lock in lineups early; the Commanders-Cowboys tilt kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET. Bottom line Zach Ertz is suiting up, and his presence could be the X-factor Washington needs to stay afloat in a crowded NFC East race—while giving fantasy players a reliable mid-season boost.