After a strong 2024 season with 66 catches, 654 yards, and seven touchdowns, Zach Ertz re-signed with the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal worth $6.25 million.
The move signaled the team’s desire for stability and veteran leadership on offense heading into 2025.
Entering Week 5 against the Chargers, Ertz seemed poised to make an impact, especially with Terry McLaurin sidelined due to injury.
He was the obvious candidate to step up in McLaurin’s absence, yet he didn’t deliver.
His stat line reflected anomalies not seen in over a decade, raising questions about his consistency moving forward.
> “This sounds insane, but I have quadruple-checked it: Sunday was Zach Ertz’s first game without a catch since November 27, 2014,” Heath Cummings posted on X.
> This sounds insane, but I have quadruple-checked it:
>
> Sunday was Zach Ertz's first game without a catch since November 27, 2014.
>
> — Heath Cummings (@heathcummingssr) [October 7, 2025](https://twitter.com/heathcummingssr/status/1975672739131498847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Ertz saw just one target against the Chargers and couldn’t bring it in. The tight end has been among the league’s most dependable for over a decade, making this performance especially surprising.
Through the first five games of 2025, his numbers remain modest with 14 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Against the Chargers, defensive attention specifically bracketed Ertz, limiting his opportunities and forcing Jayden Daniels to target other options.
While expectations suggested he would carry a heavier load with key receivers out, the offense adjusted accordingly.
He maintains a 66.7 percent catch rate and contributes beyond the box score through leadership and mentoring younger teammates.
As the season progresses, the Commanders will need Ertz to return to his usual level of production, particularly in critical moments down the stretch.
[NEXT: Commanders Made 2 Roster Moves On Saturday](https://www.thecoldwire.com/commanders-made-2-roster-moves-on-saturday/)