Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz said Thursday that he underwent surgery to repair both his ACL and his MCL after suffering a season-ending left knee injury last month.
“We didn’t think the ACL was involved early on,” Ertz told reporters at a press conference where he accepted the Cardinals’ Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
“And then it just was partially torn and it wouldn’t have lasted long-term, so we had to get in and get both done. I’m glad it’s behind me now.”
Ertz said his goal is to be ready for Week 1 of the 2023 season but is only in the beginning stages of his rehab process.
Ertz, 32, was carted off the field Nov. 13 during a 27-17 win over the Los Angeles Rams. NFL Network reported at the time that he had suffered a season-ending knee injury.
The veteran tight end was in his first full season with the Cardinals after spending the bulk of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles traded him to Arizona before the deadline in 2021.
Ertz had 47 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games, all starts, in 2022. In 10 NFL campaigns he has caught 682 passes for 7,247 yards and 45 touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons in 2017-19.
–Field Level Media