Report: Lions signing Zach Ertz to replace injured Brock Wright

Field Level Media|published: Mon 22nd January, 12:15 2024

Oct 1, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) reacts after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. credits: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions are signing free agent tight end Zach Ertz to the practice squad, giving them needed depth at the position after Brock Wright was lost to injury for the season, NFL Network reported Monday.

The Arizona Cardinals released Ertz earlier this season to give him an opportunity to join a Super Bowl contender, and that's just what he did. The Lions will meet the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFC title game.

Ertz won Super Bowl LII as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 33-year-old will begin on the practice squad but could be elevated to the 53-man roster before Sunday's game.

Wright was the No. 2 tight end for the Lions this season, behind rookie Sam LaPorta. He broke a forearm in the second quarter of Sunday's NFC Divisional Playoff win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, played in seven games for the struggling Cardinals in 2023, catching 27 passes for 187 yards with one touchdown.

In 151 career games (113 starts) with the Eagles (2013-21) and Cardinals (2021-23), Ertz has 709 receptions for 7,434 yards with 46 touchdowns.

Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden is familiar with Ertz, having coached the same position for the Cardinals from 2019-22.

—Field Level Media

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