Zach Ertz's return to the Philadelphia Eagles could very well prove to be far more than a feel-good story.
And while his impact is expected to be felt on the gridiron early as he arrives to help offset the injury to starter Dallas Goedert, the 14-year vet might make an even bigger mark in the ways he can mentor and guide rookie second-rounder Eli Stowers.
The beloved tight end has now returned for a 10th season in the City of Brotherly Love, a dangerous weapon who has made countless big plays in Philadelphia, including that huge touchdown in the team's first-ever Super Bowl triumph. The hyped reunion was long rumored but never quite came to fruition, not until Dallas Goedert went down last weekend.
Once Goedert got hurt, general manager Howie Roseman wasted no time calling an old friend.
Signed to the practice squad, he could suit up as early as this Monday for the team's tilt with the Bears. Either way, he'll bring plenty of positive influence in the locker room, on the practice field, and in film study. And for one particular rookie in Midnight Green, his arrival could be game-changing.
Zach Ertz can help the Eagles with on-field play & Eli Stowers' development off the field
Eli Stowers' start in Philadelphia has been anything but smooth sailing. Injured in training camp, called out for blocking woes, and facing a steady dose of outside criticism since Philadelphia tabbed him in the second round, those outside the building still strongly believe in the former Vanderbilt star tight end's long-term prognosis.
Now, with Ertz back in the building, the 14-year vet is eager to impart the wisdom, the work ethic, and the life experiences that he's accumulated throughout an exceptional career, one which has him currently sitting at second all-time in team history for receptions with a whopping 579 grabs.
And lo and behold, the franchise placed his new locker next to Stowers', setting the stage for class to begin right off the bat.
Make no mistake: Ertz is headstrong about helping fuel his new rookie teammate's development from this point on. He's gone from a force in the passing game who admittedly didn't teach other teammates as much as he could have, to a sage veteran in recent years. Now, he's ready to embrace this mentorship mission with Stowers.
“I’ve really embraced that role in my later stages of life — football life,” Ertz said. “Really just pouring into these young guys. Early in my career, I probably wasn’t the best to some of the young guys, but now I try and give them everything I got and help them make a difference.”
Ertz has yet to train with Stowers, who is still working his way back from his hamstring injury, but the wise old veteran is no stranger to the rare physical gifts that the Vandy rookie possesses. After taking note of his new teammate's record-setting combine performance, Ertz is eager to help Stowers reach his full potential.
"Everybody's got superpowers in this league, and he's got to play to his superpowers," Ertz added. "I'm looking forward to helping him unlock that mentally and physically, to be at his best."
Read more: Eagles need significantly more from underperforming edge rushers in Week 3
The Philadelphia faithful will be going crazy when Ertz takes the field again at the Linc this season. He's back in town, and he's poised to make his mark in helping to move the chains. But don't discount the impact he can make behind the scenes, helping a rookie with designs on one day to carry the torch once Ertz and Goedert have moved on.
Add us as a preferred source on Google