It’s not what anyone wants to see on a football field — and a play that should draw a significant fine from the NFL for Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward.
Ward appeared to destroy the right knee of Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz on an unnecessary low hit in a 31-0 win by the Vikings in Week 14.
“This is a dirty hit by Jay Ward that has left Zach Ertz down on the field and needing assistance from the trainers to leave the field,” Commanders reporter Chad Ryan wrote on X. “No place for this on the football field. Disgusting play.”
The Commanders’ eight consecutive loss dropped them to 3-10 overall and eliminated them from the playoffs with 4 regular season games remaining.
Ertz, who is playing on a 1-year, $6.25 million contract, has experienced a career resurgence in Washington. The 35-year-old won a Super Bowl and was a 3-time Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles but seemed headed out of the league after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals in 2023.
In 2024 Ertz finished second on the team in receiving with 66 receptions for 654 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Commanders went 12-5 in the regular season and advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991.
Ertz entered Week 14 against the Vikings second on the team with 49 receptions for 493 yards and 4 touchdowns.
“Zach Ertz didn’t deserve to go out like this,” X user Premiere Vee wrote. “Absolutely brutal way to end a career if he doesn’t get to play another down of football.”
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