No team in the NFL playoffs has as much momentum as the Detroit Lions do … Or at least it certainly seems that way.
Thanks mainly to head coach Dan Campbell, the culture has been completely changed in Detroit and the brotherhood and togetherness they have is as tight can be.
Fresh off their euphoric win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions have signed three-time Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz.
The veteran Ertz began the season with the Arizona Cardinals, before being released in late November upon his request.
The 33-year-old Ertz is expected to begin the week on the practice squad, with the possibility of being elevated to the active roster for Sunday’s highly anticipated NFC Championship Game clash against the #1 seed San Francisco 49ers.
TE Zach Ertz signing with Lions practice squad. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/INCrKmmbrK
— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2024
The move comes in response to the Lions tight end corps facing injury challenges, losing Brock Wright to a forearm injury suffered against the Bucs.
With Sam LaPorta heroically playing through a knee injury, Campbell and company looked to bolster their depth at the position – and Ertz figures to do just that.
Sam LaPorta after learning from Zach Ertz for a week pic.twitter.com/GSrgrrDCx1
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) January 22, 2024
If all goes well, Ertz could bring a wealth of postseason experience to the Lions.
Having played in the playoffs five times throughout his career, including a Super Bowl-winning 2017 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Ertz has proven himself as a reliable and clutch performer on the big stage.
do i know that he already has a ring? yes.
do i know the lions are thin at tight end? yes.
is he half way retired and joining a contender to get himself another Super Bowl? yes.
am i happy to have him? of course 😈
— trav (@travismattox4) January 22, 2024
During the 2023 season, Ertz played in seven games for the Cardinals before a quad injury led to his placement on injured reserve.
Despite the limited playing time, he managed to haul in 27 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown.
The move to acquire Ertz is seen as a low-risk, high-reward scenario for the Lions. Even if he doesn’t make it to the active roster, his presence on the practice squad will undoubtedly contribute valuable insights and postseason wisdom to the team.
Not to be overlooked is Ertz’s familiarity with the 49ers, having played against them in the NFC West.
I love the move, and that he’s not replacing Laporta but playing alongside him makes it even better. 🥹
— PLAYOFF WAYMO (@AaronDontJudge) January 22, 2024
What are your thoughts on the signing?
Even if Ertz’s doesn’t have too much left in the tank, there is virtually zero downside with brining him onboard.
Taking a step back and looking at the big picture, are you a believer in the Lions?
They almost have a Tom Coughlin New York Giants feel to them. There are plenty of similarities between this Detroit team and Big Blue’s Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship squads.
Can the LIONS actually win the Super Bowl???