Report: Lions adding tight end Zach Ertz to practice squad

Former Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) runs a route against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (Rick Scuteri/AP)

The Detroit Lions are signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz ahead of Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero reports that Ertz will begin on the practice squad but could be elevated to the roster for the game in San Francisco.

The Lions lost No. 2 tight end Brock Wright to a broken forearm during Sunday’s win over the Buccanneers and starting tight end Sam LaPorta has been battling through a bone bruise in recent weeks.

Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champ, appeared in seven games for the Cardinals this season but was released on Nov. 30. He had 187 yards receiving and one touchdown catch this season.

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