Earlier this month, Eagles Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz made it abundantly clear that he wants to remain in Philadelphia for the rest of his NFL days, saying that "my goal is to be like Kobe Bryant and play for one organization my entire career." Well, it looks like he may soon inch one step closer to that ultimate goal as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports the Eagles have reengaged contract extension talks with the 29-year-old.

Related players: Dallas Goedert

Ertz still has two years left on his deal and many thought Goedert would eventually take over as the Birds top TE. But it looks like the Eagles want to keep Ertz around. The TE spot was a go-to position for Carson Wentz last year when a rash of injuries to the team's WRs hit. Ertz is ranked fourth on our TE list despite Geodert also being a threat at the position. Goedert is ranked 12th, proving just how much the Eagles target the position.

The Eagles on Saturday got a major boost for their wild-card round playoff game Sunday against visiting Seattle.

Tight end Zach Ertz, the team’s leading receiver with 88 catches for 916 yards, got medical clearance to dress after tests on his injured kidney, a source close to the situation said. The clearance was first reported by NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Ertz should return to a near full-time role, though it's possible that he'll be limited if the Eagles remain cautious about his kidney injury.

Eagles TE Zach Ertz (rib, back) will not play Sunday against the Giants.

Ertz did all he could to play but it just wasn’t in the cards this week. Dallas Goedert will get his chance to shine as the top tight end. Fortunately the Eagles are getting Jordan Howard back, but not having Ertz will be tough when the team is fighting for the NFC East.

Eagles TE Zach Ertz did not practice Thursday with injuries to his ribs and back.

We knew about the ribs and now Ertz has a back issue to go along with it. It’s looking more and more unlikely that he will actually play on Sunday against the Giants. If he doesn’t, Dallas Goedert will see a ton of targets thrown his way as the Eagles make a push for the division crown and a home playoff game. Terrible timing for this injury for the Eagles.

Eagles TE Zach Ertz (rib) was non-participant in practice Wednesday.

The injury report was more of an estimation but had the Eagles actually practiced, Ertz would not have taken part. It’s still early in the week, but the Ertz should be considered questionable at best for Week 17. If he can’t go, Dallas Goedert stands to see a ton of targets against the Giants. Keep a close eye on the rest of the week.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said Zach Ertz has a rib injury that needs more tests today.

Related players: Dallas Goedert

He came back for the entire second half after leaving the game in the second quarter, the tweet said. Reports from after the game made it seem like Ertz was in a lot of pain but he wanted to finish the game. Goedert had a big day with over 90 yards and a TD. He's worth picking up if on wires, even if it's a backup plan.

Xavier Woods collapsed Zach Ertz’s rib cage early in the first quarter, and he played 14 more minutes in before leaving 3 minutes, 3 seconds into the second quarter clutching his left side. He visited the locker room, and presumably the pharmacy, came back to the sideline, had his ribs wrapped, and returned to the game with 1:52 to play in the second quarter. He finished with four catches for 28 yards.

Related players: Dallas Goedert

The story said after the game, Ertz could barely pull his shirt over his head, and he struggled to put his coat on, and he had so much trouble speaking that he wouldn’t conduct his postgame press conference. It doesn't sound great for Ertz in what is a meaningful game for the Eagles in Week 17. Goedert, who had a career day with over 90 yards and a TD, is at least worth grabbing as a backup plan.