Zach Ertz Injury: Eagles tight end will miss preseason but should be ready for season opener

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz will miss the entire 2015 NFL preseason due to a "core muscle injury" as described by Chip Kelly. The head coach confirmed as much during a press conference prior to the team's training camp practice on Friday morning. Kelly noted that Ertz saw sports hernia specialist Dr. Williams Meyers recently.

Ertz went down in practice on Wednesday after getting bumped by a defender. He walked to the sideline on his own power but appeared to be in pain. Ertz left practice without talking to reporters and then sat out of Thursday's practice.

The good news for the Eagles is that Ertz should be ready to play in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Kelly.

Ertz's injury opens the door for depth players to step up this summer. Second year tight end Trey Burton is bound to receive more playing time. Rookie undrafted tight ends Eric Tomlinson, Andrew Gleichert, and Justin Tukes might be able to battle for a fourth tight end spot on the 53-man roster. Tomlinson has stood out in recent practices.

The Eagles will hope Ertz's injury isn't one that hampers his playing time and/or effectiveness. The team is counting on him to be a big contributor in 2015.

UPDATE: Eagles confirm Ertz had surgery.