Cardinals place TE Zach Ertz on IR, release S K’Von Wallace
Oct 24, 2023, 9:48 AM | Updated: 1:29 pm
Zach Ertz #86 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals placed tight end Zach Ertz on injured reserve with a quad strain suffered Sunday in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the team announced Tuesday.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero were first to report the move.
Additionally, the team signed tight end Blake Whiteheart to the active roster off the practice squad released safety K’Von Wallace. The Cardinals also released cornerback Quavian White from the practice squad.
Though Budda Baker is back healthy, the Wallace cut is surprising given how much the safety was utilized in Arizona’s defense. From Weeks 2-6, Wallace played every defensive snap and started all five of those matchups. This past week, however, Wallace did not record a defensive rep and saw just six special teams snaps. In seven games played, Wallace recorded 43 tackles, an interception and four passes defensed.
Ertz, in his second full season with the team, suffered ACL and MCL tears toward the end of last year but recovered quickly enough to appear in Week 1 of 2023.
He appeared in every game of the 1-6 start for the Cardinals, recording 27 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown.
Ertz is third on the team in receiving yards but second in receptions for an offense led by fill-in quarterback Joshua Dobbs. He is only behind receivers Marquise Brown (32 catches, 383 yards) and Michael Wilson (21 receptions, 343 yards) in terms of total production.
The Cardinals will be without Ertz for at least games against the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans. He could be eligible to return for a Nov. 26 home game against the Los Angeles Rams.
In his place, Arizona will likely up the usage of second-year pro Trey McBride, who has 15 catches for 170 yards so far this year.
The team also has veteran Geoff Swaim, though he is more of a run-blocking specialist.
Sixth-round pick Elijah Higgins, who was drafted and released by the Miami Dolphins this offseason, was claimed off waivers by Arizona in August and could see an increased role. He made his debut Sunday with six offensive snaps and a target.
Whiteheart was signed as an undrafted free agent in May and spent all of training camp with Arizona but has spent the year on the practice squad.
