Ben Sinnott feels for Zach Ertz, but understands opportunity ahead

The Washington Commanders placed tight end Zach Ertz on injured reserve on Wednesday, officially ending his season. Ertz tore his ACL in Sunday's 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Ertz finished the year with 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns.

Ertz's absence creates a big hole for the Commanders to fill. Not only is Ertz Washington's top third-down target, but he also remains excellent in the red zone and is one of the team leaders.

The old saying is true in the NFL: "Next man up." That's how coaches and players operate, regardless of who is injured. For Washington, the next man up is second-year tight end Ben Sinnott.

The second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft has played in 12 games this season, catching four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. As a rookie last season, Sinnott appeared in every game, finishing with five receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown. Fans see the stat line and are naturally disappointed.

Fans have wanted Washington to go younger. To see what some of the younger players on the roster could do with increased opportunities. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was loyal to Ertz. He now has no choice but to turn to Sinnott.

Sinnott was understandably sad about Ertz's injury, as the veteran served as a mentor over his first two years.

"Yeah, it's devastating," Sinnott said on Wednesday. "A guy who means so much to this team, and so much to our tight end room especially, it's horrible to see that, and your heart sinks. You immediately just get down on your knees and start praying."

While it's a tough time for Sinnott, he understands what's ahead for him.

"Excited to go out there and show what I can do, and do what I know I can. I'm excited for the opportunity and looking forward to these next four games to grow as a player, continue to improve and feeling really confident."

No playoffs. Four games left.

Will the Commanders remain engaged and finish this season through?

Tight end Ben Sinnott told me, "you only get 17 opportunities and if people are checking out then they might have to just check themselves." pic.twitter.com/8SxaGE0ztQ— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) December 10, 2025

Sinnott has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Ertz is a free agent at season's end. At 35 and coming off a significant injury, his future in Washington is in doubt. These last four games are an audition for Sinnott to prove he can the Commanders' tight end of the future. He will not have a better opportunity than these last four games.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Ben Sinnott has opportunity due to Ertz injury