John Bates

Ertz's 2025 season is over after a Week 14 cheap shot resulted in a torn ACL for the 35-year-old veteran. He ends the season with 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns. Ertz was tenth among tight ends in catches and 12th in yardage before the injury. John Bates will likely operate as Washington's TE1 for now, though Ben Sinnott could mix in as the Commanders play out the rest of their lost season. Neither Bates nor Sinnott should be played in 12-team leagues.

This news should come as no surprise to anybody who saw a video of the injury. Ertz's leg bent in an unnatural direction after he was hit by safety Jay Ward in the third quarter, and the veteran tight end needed help to get to the sideline before being carted to the locker room. A torn ACL would mark the end of the season for Ertz, who is already in the twilight of his 13-year career. Ertz entered the day with 49 receptions for 493 yards and four touchdowns. Backup John Bates would be next in line for snaps in Ertz's absence.

Commanders TE Zach Ertz is feared to have torn his right ACL in Sunday's loss to the Vikings, HC Dan Quinn said afterward. We should get confirmation of the injury tomorrow. It would end Ertz's season and could put the 35-year-old's career in jeopardy. Ertz's absence will leave Washington's TE room to Ben Sinnott and John Bates. We'll see if Sinnott -- a 2024 second-rounder -- can build any momentum, but we wouldn't bother adding him to fantasy rosters.