The 2025 season was a difficult one for the Washington Commanders. After coming off a 12-win season and the franchise’s first appearance in the NFC Championship Game in 33 years, the Commanders were crushed by injuries. Quarterback Jayden Daniels missed 10 games, wide receiver Terry McLaurin missed seven and tight end Zach Ertz suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 14.
Daniels and McLaurin returned in 2026, while Ertz last played in the burgundy and gold last December against the Vikings. Not wanting to end his career on that note, Ertz, 36, rehabbed and returned to the Philadelphia Eagles in September, where he spent the first 8.5 seasons of his NFL career.
Ertz spent the past two seasons with Washington, where he was one of Daniels’ top two targets, alongside McLaurin. Ertz stayed close with his former Commanders teammates. When McLaurin suffered his own devastating knee injury in Monday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Ertz took to Instagram to show him some love.
Ertz and McLaurin were both leaders for the Commanders during their time together. While Ertz may have moved on to a division rival, he enjoyed his time in Washington, playing with guys like Daniels and McLaurin.
McLaurin was diagnosed with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. It’s a devastating injury, especially for a wide receiver who will turn 32 next season. While McLaurin is under contract with the Commanders next season, there’s no more guaranteed money remaining, meaning they could move on from him with no penalty.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Zach Ertz shares message for Commanders WR Terry McLaurin