Cardinals TE Zach Ertz Cleared for Return; On Track For Regular Season Opener

Arizona Cardinals TE Zach Ertz has reportedly been cleared to return to football activities.

The Arizona Cardinals put a handful of players on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list ahead of the start of training camp, though two large names stood out: Kyler Murray and Zach Ertz. 

While Murray continues to work through a torn ACL and meniscus suffered late in the 2022 season, Ertz got an encouraging update on Monday when he was reportedly cleared for football activities after tearing his MCL/ACL earlier last season.

"Almost nine months after tearing his ACL and MCL, #AZCardinals TE Zach Ertz has been cleared for full football activity and is on track to start Week 1, source says. The three-time Pro Bowler was on pace for 86 catches, 745 yards and 8 TDs before injuring his knee in Week 10," tweeted NFL insider Mike Garafolo.

Almost nine months after tearing his ACL and MCL, #AZCardinals TE Zach Ertz has been cleared for full football activity and is on track to start Week 1, source says. The three-time Pro Bowler was on pace for 86 catches, 745 yards and 8 TDs before injuring his knee in Week 10. pic.twitter.com/r3QjvQuF5j

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 14, 2023

ESPN's Josh Weinfuss also confirmed the report. 

"The next step would be for Ertz to be activated off the physically unable to perform list and then start practicing. In July, Ertz said it wasn't unrealistic for him to be ready by Week 1, when the Cardinals play at the Washington Commanders to start the season, and now that looks like attainable," said Weinfuss.

Ertz has been rehabbing off to the side during Arizona's training camp sessions. 

The Cardinals have two more preseason games, with a home date against the Kansas City Chiefs coming in Week 2 before a road trip at the Minnesota Vikings next week concludes their schedule. 

They'll have one week off between the end of preseason and the beginning of regular season, giving an extra week of recovery for Ertz. 

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