Cardinals Release Pro Bowl TE Before Steelers Game

The Arizona Cardinals are releasing tight end Zach Ertz before their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, J.J. Watt reported. Ertz requested his release so he could play for a contender. The 2-10 Cardinals are out of playoff contention, and Ertz is nearing the end of his storied NFL career.

Ertz, 33, had been dealing with a quad injury that landed him on injured reserve. However, it seems he is now healthy and able to land with another team. There are plenty of teams that could use his help, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and more. He will likely field lots of interest from teams down the stretch as the Cardinals look to finish the season strong after the return of Kyler Murray from a torn ACL.

Without Ertz, the team will turn to Trey McBride as their main tight end. Geoff Swaim, Elijah Higgins, and Blake Whiteheart also have roles on the team. But McBride is their main move tight end without Ertz, and he can make some noise.

McBride has been Arizona’s second-leading receiving target this season, and he also missed practice on Wednesday.

He is dealing with a groin injury and is a new addition to the Arizona injury list. He played on Sunday and hauled in seven catches for 60 yards against the Rams.

The second-year tight end took over as the starter after Ertz went down with the injury and has responded well. He is second on the team in targets (65), receptions (48) and yards (521).

Ertz was not expected to play in the Steelers game, anyway, given that he was on injured reserve and had yet to practice for a potential return to the field. So, the team will hope McBride can play as a key weapon for the group, but if he can not play, they will turn to Swaim and Higgins.