The Detroit Lions need every help they can get ahead of their big NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. One of the weapons they’re hoping to get going is Zach Ertz.
According to the Alton Telegraph, the NFC North champions are currently assessing whether they can make use of Ertz’s skillset to provide some much-needed cover for their thin TE room. With Sam LaPorta still ruled out for January 28, Ertz’s condition will help head coach Dan Campbell sort out his team’s tactics ahead of the big game.
How was 2023 for Zach Ertz?
Any Lions fan would agree that they would rather have LaPorta lining up against a tough San Francisco defense that showed weaknesses against the Green Bay Packers last week. However, Ertz is a proven winner that will only add to the winning mentality currently being fostered at Ford Field.
Depending on who you ask, Ertz’s best years may already be behind him. The 33-year-old was his most effective during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Cinderella Super Bowl run in 2017, where he made 84 catches for 824 yards and eight TDs while being named to the Pro Bowl. He played two more Pro Bowl seasons for the Eagles before being shipped to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.
His most recent performances show a dip in efficiency, however. 2022 only saw him make 47 catches for 406 yards and eight receiving TDs, and this season only saw him play seven games before being cut by the Cardinals.
Ragnow likely to play
While the TE is still in a state of flux, Lions fans can take comfort in the fact Frank Ragnow will likely start for the team. MLive reports that the center is still on to play against the 49ers should everything go well in the preparation stage.
The three-time Pro Bowl center was instrumental in keeping Vita Vea at bay during the Lions’ 31-23 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is expected to play through the myriad of injuries he’s nursing.
That is welcome news to Campbell and Jared Goff as the Niners are one of the most dangerous rushing teams in the NFL with 48 sacks recorded in the regular season.
