Good news Philadelphia Eagles fans - tight end Zach Ertz has been cleared to return to action. Ertz has been recovering from a procedure on his core/groin area, performed approximately a month ago. According to a report from Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, citing a "person familiar with the situation," Ertz has been cleared to return to practice as the Eagles begin their preparations for their 2015 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons next Monday night.
Ertz, per Shorr-Parks, is not expected to operate with any restrictions upon his return.
Ertz's potential return - he has been cleared, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll practice, meaning his status for the Falcons game remains uncertain - would be big news for the Eagles and head coach Chip Kelly, no doubt ecstatic to see another of quarterback Sam Bradford's potent offensive weapons return to the field. While steady veteran Brent Celek and young H-back/tight end Trey Burton are both capable pass-catchers likely able to more than adequately fill in in Ertz's possible absence, neither provides the kind of big-play potential and matchup issues that the uber-athletic Ertz does.
Last season Ertz showed a glimpse of what he's capable of at the NFL level while still seemingly only scratching the surface of his potential. In 16 games, but less than fifty percent of the Eagles offensive snaps, Ertz collected 58 receptions for 702 yards and three touchdowns.
Considering Ertz was likely a fairly high pick in fantasy football drafts, this is likely big news for fantasy owners as well as Ertz is expected improve further on his solid 2014 numbers with Bradford, a more accurate quarterback, under center - or, more accurately, in shotgun - for Philly.
Even if Ertz doesn't suit up for Week One - and it's very possible he won't, considering he hasn't practiced in a month - it's good news that he'll see a return to the field sooner rather than later.
