Is Zach Ertz injured? Exploring Commanders TE's status for Week 16 Fantasy Football

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz had recorded two receptions for 25 yards in the first half before leaving the game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.

After exiting the contest, the seasoned tight end headed straight to the injury tent for assessment. After that, he went to the locker room to get checked for a concussion, and before halftime, the Commanders declared him out for the remainder of the matchup.

The Commanders were 7-0 up at the time of Ertz's injury, and they were able to see out a 20-19 win despite New Orleans' late comeback attempt.

Ertz, who has emerged as one of quarterback Jayden Daniels' favorite targets, entered the Week 15 game having registered 52 receptions for 504 yards and four scores for the season.

Ertz and safety Jeremy Chinn are now in concussion protocol for the Commanders, according to coach Dan Quinn on Monday.

“Both Zach and Jeremy are in our concussion protocol, and so we’ll follow each step along the way,” Quinn said.

Quinn was also asked if the use of particular players and styles changes when Ertz isn't there. The coach said:

"Yeah, as it goes you would, there are a couple of ways to think about that.”

The former second-round pick's ability to clear the concussion protocol in time to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16 is still up in the air, but players who sustain concussions rarely return for the following game.

The NFL's five-tiered concussion protocol is designed to give concussed players’ brains time to recover from a head injury. Before being allowed to return, they must complete all five stages and receive clearance from two medical specialists; this procedure can take more than a week.

Zach Ertz's injury update: What happened to the Commanders' TE?

QB Jayden Daniels fired a 19-yard pass to tight end Zach Ertz as the Washington Commanders attempted to score their second touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the first half on Sunday.

Ertz made an incredible one-handed catch on the pass, but New Orleans safety Will Harris knocked him down hard from the back, and he hit his head on the ground.

After the play, the 34-year-old tight end took a while to get back up and went into the blue medical tent to be examined. The team eventually ruled Ertz out for the rest of the game before halftime.

In the event that Zach Ertz is sidelined by the injury, John Bates is anticipated to be the next tight end in line on the Commanders' depth chart.