Zach Ertz, the Washington Commanders' tight end, has cleared concussion protocol and is set to play this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, one of his former teams. Initially listed as questionable due to both concussion and shoulder issues, Ertz's presence is significant as the Commanders look to secure their playoff position.
Ertz, at 34 years old, suffered the concussion during Washington's narrow 20-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. He has started all 14 games for the Commanders since joining as a free agent this past March, showcasing his experience with 54 receptions on 77 targets for 526 yards and four touchdowns this season. His career highlights include being drafted by the Eagles as the 35th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and making three Pro Bowl selections between 2017 and 2019.
Meanwhile, the Commanders also welcomed back starting safety Jeremy Chinn, who cleared concussion protocol as well. While Washington hosts the NFC East-leading Eagles (12-2 record), their inactive list includes wide receiver K.J. Osborn, offensive lineman Chris Paul, defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, linebacker Dominique Hampton, cornerback Michael Davis, and Jeff Driskel as the emergency third quarterback.
On the Eagles' side, they ruled out wide receiver Britain Covey due to a neck injury, along with cornerback Eli Ricks, and offensive linemen Nick Gates, Darian Kinnard, and Trevor Keegan, as well as Tanner McKee as their emergency quarterback.
Over on the Dallas Cowboys, All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons missed Friday's practice due to flu symptoms but is expected to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night. Parsons faced some early-season struggles, including missing four games due to a high ankle sprain, but he has managed to deliver 32 tackles, eight for loss, with 8.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits during the ten games he has started this season.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones expressed confidence saying, "I would be surprised if Parsons didn't play," highlighting the linebacker’s determination and resilience. Drafted 12th overall by Dallas out of Penn State, Parsons has become one of the most formidable defenders, accumulating 245 tackles, 49 sacks, and earning Pro Bowl selections from 2021 to 2023.
Conversely, the Buccaneers recently downgraded tight end Cade Otton from doubtful to out for Sunday’s matchup due to a knee injury. Otton has made significant contributions, starting all 14 games this season and recording 59 receptions for 600 yards and four touchdowns. The Buccaneers picked him up during the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has proven to be reliable with 148 catches for 1,446 yards and 10 touchdowns over 47 regular-season games.
These injury updates come at a pivotal moment as Washington (9-5) and Dallas (6-8) vie for wildcard spots, with both teams needing strong performances heading down the final stretch of the NFL regular season.
