The Eagles announced that tight end Zach Ertz underwent surgery to repair his core muscle on Friday. The surgery was performed by renowned specialist Dr. William Meyers.
Head coach Chip Kelly told reporters prior to the training session that Ertz would miss the entire preseason due to the injury. Kelly is confident that Ertz will be ready for the regular season opener in Atlanta on September 14.
Ertz is entering his third NFL season after hauling in 58 receptions for 702 yards and three touchdowns last season. He set the franchise record for most receptions in a single game with 15 in the Week 16 matchup against Washington. Ertz has worked on his blocking this offseason to carve out a bigger role in the offense. Brent Celek remains the starter at tight end, but Ertz played 50 percent of the snaps in 2014 and is a mismatch weapon in the Eagles' offense.
The injury will give the remaining tight ends after Celek and Ertz on the roster ample opportunity to impress the coaching staff. The Eagles have second-year tight end Trey Burton and a trio of rookie free agents in Andrew Gleichert, Eric Tomlinson and Justin Tukes.
