Report: Zach Ertz could make Eagles return Monday night against Bears

Zach Ertz's return to the Philadelphia Eagles might include an immediate place in the game-day lineup.

The Eagles are likely to activate Ertz for Monday night's Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears , according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Ertz is signing with Philadelphia's practice squad after Dallas Goedert suffered a sprained MCL during Sunday's 24-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans . Goedert is expected to miss several weeks.

Philadelphia's decision to place Ertz on the practice squad gives the veteran tight end a chance to acclimate to Sean Mannion's offense and show he is physically ready to play. Ertz tore his ACL in December while playing for the Washington Commanders . McLane reported that he was cleared for football activity in July, seven months after the injury. Ertz also passed the important nine-month postoperative benchmark several weeks ago.

That recovery timeline could allow him to contribute sooner than most players signed during the season.

The Eagles identified Ertz as the logical addition after Goedert's injury . Johnny Mundt and E.J. Jenkins are the only healthy tight ends on Philadelphia's active roster, while Eli Stowers and Grant Calcaterra remain on injured reserve.

Ertz's familiarity with Jalen Hurts should help reduce the adjustment period. The two played together in 2020 and 2021 before Philadelphia traded Ertz to Arizona . Monday night could now mark Ertz's first game in an Eagles uniform since Oct. 14, 2021.