MINNEAPOLIS -- Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz left Sunday's 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings with what is believed to be a torn ACL, according to coach Dan Quinn.
"Early signs say a serious injury," said Quinn, who added that Ertz will undergo imaging Monday.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels also left Sunday's game, and he didn't return after he was knocked to the ground following a third-quarter interception, landing on the left elbow that was dislocated Nov. 9. Quinn said that Daniels could have returned but that he opted to hold out the quarterback -- who was playing for the first time since his dislocation -- because the Vikings were well in control.
Ertz was hurt with 2:10 left in the third quarter when he reached for a pass on second-and-11 and was hit in his right leg by safety Jay Ward. Ertz had to be helped off the field and was unable to put pressure on the leg. He was soon carted to the locker room, a towel draped over his head, and was ruled out with the knee injury early in the fourth quarter.
"He's one of the linchpins of our team," receiver Terry McLaurin said. "I ain't going to lie; it was tough for everybody."
Ertz left the locker room on crutches, his face reddened and with a sullen look.
"It breaks my heart when you see a great one like him, an all-time great [get hurt]," tight end John Bates said. "He does everything the right way, the way things should be done. He's just a pro's pro."
Ertz, 35, has 49 receptions for 493 yards and four touchdowns this season. Last week, he moved into fifth place on the all-time receptions list for an NFL tight end. He now has 825.
"This guy is one hell of a competitor in every way," Quinn said. "To see the frustration and emotion with that, all of us are feeling that."
Daniels was forced out with 8:24 remaining in the third quarter when he was hurt after he threw an interception and tried to chase down linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers blocked Daniels, who landed hard on his left elbow. Daniels remained on the ground for a minute before sprinting to the bench. The medical staff huddled around him and removed a padded protective device before taking him to the medical tent.
Daniels was listed as questionable to return but remained on the sideline as Marcus Mariota took over at quarterback and finished the game.
"As a team, at this point we were off and felt like that was the right call," Quinn said of opting to keep Daniels from returning.
Daniels had been cleared for contact this past week and was a full participant in the final two days of practice. Both he and the Commanders hoped he could play in the final five games.
He still could play this season, according to Quinn.
"It's an important development time for him, but there's no zero-risk game," he said. "You try to manage that. But for the development point of it, it's important."
Daniels has finished only four of his seven starts this season and has been knocked out in each of the past three with injuries. He has been hurt three times -- a sprained knee cost him two games, a hamstring injury cost him one and the dislocated elbow cost him three.
Daniels completed 9 of 20 passes for 78 yards and an interception before exiting against the Vikings.
His teammates were appreciative of Daniels' mindset on the play in which he was hurt, even though it occurred during a season in which he has battled multiple injuries.
"We all understand the conversation that's been around him," linebacker Bobby Wagner said. "He's a true competitor, a true fighter. It's one of those fluke plays. Who doesn't want their quarterback to hustle and try to save a touchdown?"