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Zach Ertz 'Couldn't Say No' to Joining Detroit Lions

Originally posted on Detroit Lions on SI
By John Maakaron | Last updated Jan 24, 2024 4:41 PM ET

With Zach Ertz officially joining the practice squad, the Detroit Lions are adding a proven tight end with experience in the same areas that are uncharted territory for many of the members of the active roster.

With multiple injuries at the position, the Lions added Ertz to the practice squad ahead of the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Whether or not Ertz is tabbed as an elevation for Sunday's game remains to be seen.

However, the partnership appears to have the potential of being mutually beneficial.

The veteran was looking for the right situation, while the Lions were able to add an experienced and talented option at a position in need of depth.

"The opportunity presented itself and I couldn't say no. I'm excited, obviously. This team is on a roll, young, hungry, so I'm excited to be a part of it," Ertz told reporters Wednesday. "I have no expectations coming in of what my roll will be. I don't expect anything to be handed to me.

"Obviously I want to earn whatever reps I get. I'm not here to start any drama or cause any insubordination, per se. I'm just here to support the guys however I can," Ertz continued. "Hopefully teach Sam or some of these young tight ends some things and play to the best of my ability, if my number is called."

The veteran expressed confidence in being able to pick up the intricacies of the offense in a short turnaround. Having played in several different offensive systems throughout his career, Ertz believes he is capable of being a positive contributor to the Lions' offense on Sunday.

"I'm confident that I can get up to speed quickly from a mental standpoint, it's just how much do they want to put on me?" Ertz explained. "I've played in a lot of different offenses in my 11 years now. So I'm confident to pick it up mentally, but at the same time I'm just getting the basics right now. So we'll see how Thursday, Friday go. That's a long way to go til the game but I'm just excited to be here."

Dan Campbell said his experience playing in high-profile contests was not a deciding factor in the team reaching out. However, it is impactful given the stage of the season in which he is joining the team.

Dan Campbell's Kneecap Speech Should Be Played Every Day #NFL #DetroitLions #AllGrit pic.twitter.com/HtjzbRFXJ7
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) January 24, 2024

"Obviously I played in a Super Bowl game. When you get to this point in the year, it should be the most selfless version of football that you can play. It's all about the team at this point. The stats don't matter, nobody cares about how many catches I had in the Super Bowl or how many catches I had in the NFC Championship."

Having that experience is key, as the Lions have plenty of young players who are still debuting on the big stage professionally. As the veteran tight end noted, selflessness is important to the team's success.

"All they care about is the fact that we won those games and the play doesn't care who makes it is a mantra that we carried for a long time, especially this time of year," Ertz expressed. "Because it doesn't matter if it's Saint, or it doesn't matter if it's Sam or David. Whoever has the opportunity to make the play has to go out there and make it. Whether that's offense or defense or special teams, and if there's anything I can help the guys with I will."

A key factor in his transition to learning the Lions' system is tight ends coach Steve Heiden. Ertz played under Heiden while the two were in Arizona together, so having a common understanding of what is expected will help the newcomer adjust on the fly.

Heiden's ability to connect with and believe in Ertz was also key in the veteran deciding to come to Detroit.

"I mean, obviously we've spoken the same language in the past. Whether it's things that he can pull from our past life where he says, 'Hey, this is what they call this now.' It makes the transition from a verbiage standpoint a lot easier. I also know the techniques that he wants to be coached and what he emphasizes. And he's just a guy that's had a lot of belief in me over the years. And at this point in my career, I want to play for guys that believe in me as a player and as a person and I know he does that. So for me, obviously I've accomplished a lot in this league but playing for people who truly believe in me at this point is something I truly value and I know he does."

Even if Ertz is unable to ever suit up for the Lions, his veteran expertise can still be of use for the development of the young players.

In particular, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta could benefit from being around the three-time Pro Bowler. Ertz admitted that he has been a fan of the rookie's from afar and looks forward to offering some growth and development.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. Obviously, everyone raves about him here and rightfully so. He's had a phenomenal rookie year and even after seeing him injured and being able to play the following week, you know he's tough because that looked a lot worse than obviously it was and I know it's not pain-free being out there. I think the sky's the limit for him, he's obviously a lot better than I was as a rookie, so I'm excited to be around him."

Roster moves announced

In addition to signing Ertz to the practice squad, the Lions moved Wright to the injured reserve list.

In a corresponding move, the Lions signed defensive tackle Tyson Alualu from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster.

This article first appeared on Detroit Lions on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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