Zach Ertz, a seasoned tight end, was added by the Detroit Lions as reinforcement. But the most important question going into the NFC title game is what kind of part Ertz might play in the game that will decide whether or not the Lions make it to their first Super Bowl.
When Detroit head coach Dan Campbell made his weekly visit on 97.1 The Ticket on January 23, he gave an honest appraisal of what Ertz may contribute.
According to SI.com’s All Lions, John Maakaron, Campbell stated, “It’s just a matter of we wanted to get him here to see if it’s something that we can use in this game.” “Are we carrying these three loose ends, him included, or not?
“There’s no assurance he leaves at this time. It’s simply a matter of figuring out what our best matchups are and whether we can utilize him as we begin to seriously consider San Francisco.
On January 22, Ertz was added by the Lions to their practice squad. The day before, Lions tight end Brock Wright broke his forearm against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That means that Detroit’s two active tight ends are Anthony Firkser and Sam LaPorta, who has struggled with a knee injury since the end of the regular season.
TE Zach Ertz Is an Experienced Veteran with Playoff Success
Four years have passed since Ertz last participated in a Pro Bowl. Since Week 7, he hasn’t made an appearance in a game this season. On October 24, Ertz was placed on injured reserve. On November 30, the Arizona Cardinals waived him at his request.
However, there are two reasons why Ertz might be a ready-to-play option for the Lions this week. He began by playing in Arizona for Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden during the previous season. The likelihood that Detroit will be able to place Ertz in a position to contribute right away appears to be increased by their previous relationship.
Ertz has additional postseason experience. In eight postseason games over his career, he has recorded 36 receptions, 381 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
He made a touchdown reception in the game that helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the 2017–18 Super Bowl.
Ertz has 709 catches, 7,434 receiving yards, and 46 touchdowns in 151 games during the regular season. He caught 27 passes for 187 yards this season, along with a touchdown, in seven games with the Cardinals.
How Do the 49ers Contrary to Tight Ends?
In many aspects, San Francisco’s defense is among the best in the league. However, the tight end is one position the Lions might try to take advantage of.
Against tight ends, the 49ers gave up at least 66 receiving yards in four of their final five regular season games. In the NFC divisional game, San Francisco limited the Green Bay Packers’ tight ends to only 27 yards. Tucker Kraft, though, caught a touchdown pass.
LaPorta has contributed significantly to Detroit’s offensive in 2023. During the regular season, he recorded 86 receptions for 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.
No matter how deep the Lions are in the tight end position for the NFC title, LaPorta’s absence would be a huge blow.
However, Detroit may upgrade Ertz from the practice squad to provide itself some insurance at tight end. Ertz’s presence would at the very least allow the Lions to take advantage of San Francisco’s recent vulnerability when it comes to covering tight ends.
