Is Zach Ertz playing today? Full injury update for Commanders TE in Week 7
To say the Washington Commanders are in the midst of an injury crisis before Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys would be an understatement. And there is no doubt that Kliff Kingsbury's offense has been hardest hit.
The play-caller's options have been decimated, which began with veteran running back Austin Ekeler being ruled out for their entire campaign after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. Noah Brown also got hurt in the same game and hasn't been seen since, leaving the Commanders with no option other than to place him on injured reserve this week.
Head coach Dan Quinn was initially optimistic about the status of wide receiver Terry McLaurin to begin the week. It didn't take long for that to diminish, with the second-team All-Pro barely doing anything in practice before being officially ruled out for the fourth-straight contest.
If that wasn't bad enough, the Commanders will also be without Deebo Samuel Sr. at AT&T Stadium. He's currently dealing with a heel problem, which is causing severe discomfort. Although he's been toughing it out, his limitations against the Chicago Bears were evident, and those in power have now determined that some rest is needed.
Commanders are expected to have Zach Ertz available in Week 7 against the Cowboys
Zach Ertz, the productive veteran tight end who could be lined up for a heavy workload with so many influential pass-catchers missing, was listed as questionable for Week 7. He's currently navigating shoulder and calf problems, so fans were anxiously awaiting developments with the three-time Pro Bowler.
For once, there was a positive development. Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network revealed that despite Ertz's uncertain status, the former Stanford standout traveled to Dallas and is expected to play through the pain barrier.
#Commanders TE Zach Ertz (shoulder/calf) is listed as questionable and he is expected to play Sunday, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2025
While this is good news, it'll still be worth keeping an eye on Ertz over the opening exchanges. He's obviously not at 100 percent, and he isn't getting any younger. Any slight ailments have the scope to be detrimental to his typically consistent performance levels. The fact that he is dealing with two issues only heightens the risk.
The Commanders don't have much choice right now. They have three healthy wide receivers on the roster. They called up Robbie Chosen from the practice squad, but how much he'll be able to contribute is another matter.
It's not ideal, and it's stretching Washington's offense options right to the limit. Hopefully, Ertz can rely on the adrenaline to get him through en route to becoming the dependable option over short-to-intermediate areas and in the red zone.
Anything less, and the Commanders could have a big problem on their hands.
Taylor Decker's health could make all the difference vs. Buccaneers
While the Detroit Lions aren't too banged up on offense, especially compared to their injury woes on defense, they are missing a key member of the O-line: Taylor Decker.
The tackle has missed the Lions' last two games, replaced first by Giovanni Manu who then landed on the IR following a so-so performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. For Week 6, Dan Skipper was elevated to the active roster and did a solid enough job in pass protection against the Kansas City Chiefs.
But, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions have to be hoping Decker is good to go against a defensive line that features Vita Vea, Haason Reddick, and Yaya Diaby. Without Decker, the Lions could see some struggles from a less mobile Jared Goff, and from an already-stagnant "run on first down no matter what" offense from John Morton.
Decker's health could make world of a difference vs. Buccaneers
Decker, who could be good to go depending on how this week's practice goes for him, has been dealing with a shoulder injury for the last couple of weeks. He was understandably sidelined out of an abundance of caution for Week 5 and 6, but Week 7 poses a major test for Detroit's ability to both avoid back to back losses and to avoid heading into the bye with a loss.
#Lions Dan Campbell says T Taylor Decker isn’t ruled out this week. Says Decker is feeling better and they’d like
to get him worked into practice tomorrow. TB is a big game to have him back for, but would make sense if they hold him out with the bye week ensuing.— Dannie (@dannierogers___) October 16, 2025
Decker, 31, is part of the two headed monster for the Lions' offensive line that features All-Pro Penei Sewell. The duo was key to the Lions' success against the Chicago Bears, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Cleveland Browns in recent weeks. But, it just feels like the Lions have been dealt such a tough hand with the number of star edge rushers they've had to face the last few weeks.
This week, the Buccaneers feature a ton of threats on the D-line that just start with Vea. Decker's addition back to the line would be key if he's healthy, but if he's not at 100 percent, then it might be a waste of his recovery to throw him back out there. With how well Skipper played in his place, perhaps the Lions are more comfortable giving him an extra two weeks of rest.
