Ertz is expected to see an uptick in playing time Thursday against the Rams with fellow tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) unlikely to make it back from the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to the game, EJ Smith of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Goedert was placed on the list Tuesday, after he was revealed to have tested positive for the virus. Because he is vaccinated, he'll be eligible for activation within 10 days, but since he'll still need to be asymptomatic and produce two negative COVID-19 tests at least 24 hours apart, he's doubtful to gain clearance before Thursday's 8:20 p.m. EDT kickoff. Goedert's expected absence will likely result in Ertz absorbing a larger share of the tight-end snaps. While frequently sharing the field with Goedert, Ertz has hovered between 50 and 62 percent of the offensive snaps while averaging five targets through the first five games. In addition to likely getting an uptick in snaps, Ertz should be in store for more volume in the passing game as well, given how stout the Tampa Bay front has been against the run this season.