Jalen Hurts Excited About Reunion with Former Teammate

Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts played with veteran tight end Zach Ertz for a season and a half at the onset of his career.

The Eagles traded Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, but they brought him back earlier this week, reuniting Hurts with his former target. The star quarterback broke his silence on Ertz’s return during his weekly media session.

Jalen Hurts and Zach Ertz are Teammates Again in Philadelphia

Hurts is well-aware of Ertz’s resume with the Eagles, but he seems to think that the veteran can still contribute at this latter stage of his career.

“High-intellect player. Great hands, knows how to separate,” Hurts said when describing what Ertz brings to the team. “He’s been very consistent throughout his career.

“It’s great for him to be back,” Hurts added. “The history he has here, the resume he has here, I know it’s a big deal for him. I know this is where he’s had his eyes and his sights on, and it’s good to be competing with him again.”

Ertz will look to help fill the hole left by Dallas Goedert, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Goedert is a favorite target of Hurts, especially in the Red Zone. Perhaps Ertz can also build some of that chemistry with Hurts.

Zach Ertz says he Never Wanted to Leave Philadelphia

If Ertz had his way, he never would have left Philadelphia in the first place.

“I never wanted to leave in the first place. So let’s put that out there,” Ertz said upon his return. “The opportunity finally arose that I could come back. There’s been times I asked in the past and it didn’t come to fruition for whatever reason. But for me, it’s just a blessing to be back. . . . For me, this is a place I’ve always called home.”

Now that he’s back in Midnight Green, Ertz is eager to prove that he indeed can still positively impact football games.

“It’s up to me to go out there and prove it every day that I can make a difference still, whether it’s Year 1 or Year 14. That’s always been my mindset,” Ertz said. “That I’ve got to go out and practice hard and improve my craft every day. And if the coaches feel like I can make a difference, that’s great, I’ll be out there. If not, I shouldn’t be out there.”

Prior to suffering a season-ending ACL tear as a member of the Washington Commanders last season, Ertz was still producing at a high level. In 13 games for Washington, he had 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns. If he could approach that level of production again it would be a big boon for the Eagles.