The latest news surrounding Zach Ertz is not good, as according to an NFL Network report, the tight end has a lacerated kidney in addition to a cracked rib.
Although the timetable for Ertz's return is not clear, Dr. David Chao -- who has made a name for himself by correctly predicting injuries and timelines for NFL players -- predicts that Ertz is likely done for the playoffs, as a lacerated kidney normally names four weeks to recover from. If it does indeed take that long, Ertz wouldn't be available until the Super Bowl, and even then it is a stretch he could play, according to Dr. Chao.
While how long Ertz is out remains to be seen, he has already been ruled out for the team's game against the New York Giants on Sunday. If the Eagles lose, and the Dallas Cowboys win, the season is over. If they do win, however, they will play next week in the Wild Card round, a game they will desperately need Ertz for.
Ertz is not only the Eagles' best skill position player, but he is also the safety net Wentz needs and leans on frequently on big third-down plays. Although backup Dallas Goedert has played well, Ertz going down would force Goedert into the starting role, something he has not had to do since joining the team last season. The team also signed tight end Richard Rodgers this week, who has been on-and-off the roster over the last year and has plenty of experience in the NFL.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
