# Zach Ertz returns to Philadelphia Eagles

> Zach Ertz says he never wanted to leave Philadelphia, glad to be back for his second stint with the Eagles.
- Title: Zach Ertz returns to Philadelphia Eagles · NBC Sports
- Summary: Zach Ertz says he never wanted to leave Philadelphia, glad to be back for his second stint with the Eagles. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz has returned to…
- Keywords: zach ertz, philadelphia eagles, nfl, tight end, knee injury, practice squad, sports, Zach, Ertz, returns, Philadelphia, Eagles
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/zach-ertz-i-never-wanted-to-leave-philadelphia-glad-to-be-back-to-my-favorite-place
- Published: 2026-09-25T08:53:03.342+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zach ertz, philadelphia eagles, nfl, tight end, knee injury, practice squad, sports
## Zach Ertz returns to Philadelphia
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz has returned to Philadelphia for his second stint with the Eagles, saying he never wanted to leave.

> I never wanted to leave in the first place, so let’s just put that out there.
## Ertz drafted by Eagles in 2013
Ertz was drafted by the Eagles in 2013 and traded to the Cardinals in 2021, but returned to Philadelphia for his second stint.
## Ertz's return hope
Ertz said he never knew if the Eagles would welcome him back but always hoped they would, stating there was never a plan to return.
## Ertz's knee injury
Ertz played for the Commanders last year but suffered a season-ending knee injury, unsure if he’d be back in Philadelphia or anywhere else.
## Ertz's return timeline
Ertz has spent the last nine and a half months rehabbing his knee with hopes to be ready to play as soon as he signs, but will let coaches decide when he’s ready for the active roster.
## Ertz's final thoughts
Ertz says it’s a place he always called home, and he’s glad to be back in Year 14 where he started in Year 1.
## Key takeaway

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz has returned to Philadelphia for his second stint with the Eagles after a season-ending knee injury.