NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that TE Zach Ertz plans to play this season. That's notable, of course, because Ertz tore his right ACL in December, about a month after he turned 35. Pelissero adds that the TE is "expected to be cleared right around Week 1." Ertz will hit unrestricted free agency in March.
Good for Ertz. Seriously.
The easy fan-level reaction here is "why bother?" Ertz has 13 NFL seasons behind him and ranks among the position's top 8 in career catches and yards. He could retire now and have a shot at the hall of fame.
But once his playing career is done, that's it. No more playing the sport he has likely competed in -- and excelled at -- since he was a child. I can certainly understand why he'd like to keep it going as long as possible.
Of course, that doesn't mean we have to support his pursuit by drafting him.
If Ertz's knee isn't likely to gain football clearance until September, then it'll be surprising to see him sign any time soon. And gaining clearance to play isn't the same as being back to full strength.
A fully healthy Ertz has been a short-range target driven by volume. It's tough to envision him being even an upside fantasy play this season -- let alone a high-end option.
Ignore Ertz for current fantasy drafting. We'll see about his situation come August.
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