Despite Chip Kelly being hopeful of Zach Ertz returning for week one, the realistic outcome is that the tight end may be inactive until week two or even later. According to an article written by Britt McHenry from ESPN however, Ertz remains “optimistic” that he will be available for the game against Atlanta.
Ertz suffered an injury during training camp and has not seen any pre-season action thus far. But encouraging signs have flown out from New York as Reuben Frank tweeted. The CSN reporter shows Ertz running plays before the game against the Jets which is set to get underway at 7pm EST.
Zach Ertz looking good running around pre-game. pic.twitter.com/ilV2AFFcoJ
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) September 3, 2015
He wasn’t the only one showing signs of hope however, John Clark also took a snap of the tight end in motion.
Good to see @ZERTZ_86 on field running/catching passes. Chip Kelly says Zach "could" be ready season opener. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/iHTqhdhP72
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 3, 2015
Chip Kelly has openly stated that he would rather see Ertz back to full strength now than start him in pre-season and risk a more serious or damning injury come later in the year. It’s a smart plan and it’s a long season. Ertz is still going to have a huge impact on this Offense.
It’s not like the Eagles are stuck for options at Tight End either. There is evident chemistry between Sam Bradford and tight end Trey Burton as shown in the Packers game last week. Burton received for two touchdowns and has almost a mirror build of Riley Cooper. He’s a perfect fit for the Offense and is a great backup option to both Celek and Ertz. Ertz’s position is in more than capable hands until he gets back on the field.
