Eagles 🤝 Ertz | Sports Daily Newsletter

In the span of an hour, after it was revealed that Dallas Goedert will miss a few weeks, the Eagles decided to reunite with Zach Ertz.

News landed Monday that Goedert suffered a sprained MCL in his knee during Sunday’s 24-20 win over the Titans. The tight end left the game midway through the second quarter and did not return. Goedert is expected to be out for a few weeks with the injury.

His absence left the Eagles with an interesting situation — and a lack of tight end depth. So general manager Howie Roseman responded quickly by signing Ertz to their practice squad, and he could be ready to play Monday night.

Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler, tore the ACL and lateral collateral ligaments in his right knee as well as his hamstring in December 2025 with the Commanders. He was cleared to play in July, but didn’t sign with a team.

Time will tell how impactful the 35-year-old Ertz will be after a major surgery and recovery, but it does give the Eagles a pass-catching talent at tight end with Goedert sidelined.

Now, let’s get into Week 3. Olivia Reiner tells us what we know — and what we don’t — about the Eagles going into their matchup against the 1-1 Bears.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What is your reaction to the Eagles signing Zach Ertz? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Postseason questions

The Phillies return for their final homestand of the regular season with some work to do.

Their magic number to clinch a postseason berth is three. Any combination of wins and Diamondbacks losses that totals three will ensure the Phillies’ season continues beyond Sunday. But while they remain in control of their own destiny, it won’t be easy.

To close out the final week, the Phillies host the top team in the National League, the Brewers, followed by the top team in the American League, the Rays.

Going into the final six games of the regular season, here are a few story lines as the playoffs loom.

Next: The Phillies open a home series against Milwaukee at 6:40 tonight (NBCSP). Zack Wheeler (13-5, 2.99 ERA) will start against Brewers right-hander Dustin May (7-9, 4.61).

What we’re …

🔎 Analyzing: With Goedert and possibly Bears quarterback Caleb Williams out Monday night, how did their injuries impact the betting odds for next week’s game?

🏒 Learning: After 12 NHL seasons, former Flyer Kevin Hayes announced his retirement from professional hockey.

👂 Hearing: The national media is saying the Birds “stole this win” from the Titans — among other reactions.

🤔 Wondering: Why is an Ex-Eagles receiver upset with Drew Brees, who praised Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense on Sunday?

Jalen Hurts 2.0

There was something unique about Jalen Hurts carrying the offense at the scorching Nissan Stadium. He’s had better games against better opponents when the stakes were much higher before.

But this was the 2.0 version. This was Hurts evolving as a quarterback in a new scheme that gives him more freedom as a passer. If the narrative entering this season was that the 28-year-old faced a make-it-or-break-it tipping point, Hurts has shown through two weeks that he’s making it, writes Jeff McLane.

Time for Tys?

Lost during the Flyers’ improbable second-half surge to the playoffs is the fact that they did most of their damage without top young sniper Tyson Foerster, who had been playing at a 40-goal pace before an upper-body injury cost him 49 games.

Fresh off a massive contract extension and with the benefit of his first full summer of training in a couple of years due to health, Foerster seems poised for a breakout campaign.

Can he become the first Flyers 40-goal scorer since Jeff Carter in 2009? We’re not counting him out.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Since 2021, Ja’Marr Chase has been targeted at least 10 times in 38 games. Justin Jefferson has been targeted at least 10 times in 39 games. CeeDee Lamb, 37.

DeVonta Smith, however, has been targeted that much just 16 times. While there’s several reasons that factor into Smith’s lower frequency of high targets, the Eagles need to feed Smith the ball, writes columnist Marcus Hayes.

🧠 Trivia time

Which tight end holds the record for the most single-season receiving yards in Eagles history?

A) Brent Celek

B) Dallas Goedert

C) Pete Retzlaff

D) Zach Ertz

What you’re saying about Jalen Hurts

We asked: What did you think of Jalen Hurts’ play against the Titans? Among your responses:

Except for the 2 ints Jalen was pretty stout, especially on that last drive. O line needs to get a lot better fast and tackling was horrible most of the game. Fangio needs to gets the D playing better. — Tom G.

Jalen Hurts showed poise and skill in leading the winning 2 minute drill with no time-outs. Despite pressure all day, he attempted to stay in the pocket to find the open receivers. No forced throws! An MVP level performance. Let’s get an extension done Howie! — Bob C.

As a lifelong (73yrs) Eagles fan I now believe Jalen is the best QB we’ve ever had. I loved Cunningham, Jaworski, and McNabb, but we’ve never had a warrior like Hurts. It’s a cliche, but true: ALL HE DOES IS WIN! — Jerome J.

The guy is fabulous. All he does is win games. Whatever it takes. Get off his case. — Bill M.

One of the writers gave Jalen a B+, but I think I would give him an A- for such an amazing comeback from throwing the two interceptions. Playing against a team they were supposed to crush, they suddenly found themselves down and being seriously outplayed. Considering the struggling offensive line and being without his All-Pro running back Hurts did a remarkable job passing, running, and leading, and that spectacular game winning TD at the end was awesome. — Everett S.

I’m totally biased because I think he’s the hottest men alive but I thought he was great. The look on his face when they scored the last touchdown was priceless. It said, “oh yeah. We did that. That’s how it’s done.” Yes, he threw 2 interceptions and got sacked a couple times but look at that winning drive! I’m telling you, he does the just enough to win and that makes every game very exciting. — Cathy J.

Do I not understand, but doesn’t Hurts seem to do better staying in the pocket more, instead of running around the backfield field in jeopardy of getting sacked!!!!!!! Look what he accomplished in the last seconds of the game! He was fantastic, so why wasn’t the play calling like that the entire game!??? But what does an old lady know? — Susan B.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Jeff Neiburg, Lochlahn March, Ariel Simpson, Gustav Elvin, Jackie Spiegel, and Rob Tornoe.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s it for me this week. Thanks for reading, enjoy the cooler temps, and we’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella