Zach Ertz, Cardinals' nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year, tore both his ACL and MCL

Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz met with reporters on Thursday for the first time since suffering a season-ending knee injury last month at the Rams and although the primary reason for his new conference was reacting to his nomination as the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award, he revealed just how bad his injury was.

“It was an ACL and MCL,” Ertz said, referring to a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn medial collateral ligament. “We didn’t think the ACL was involved early on, but it was partially torn, and it wouldn’t have lasted long-term, so we had to go in and get both done. I’m glad it’s behind me now.

“I would have hated to be like, ‘Hey, let’s see if it can hold up long-term,’ and then regret that decision in a year. So now, once I get fully healthy and ready to go, I’ll be back to myself.”

Ertz, who is under contract for two more seasons, said the goal is to be ready to play Week 1 next season. He couldn’t say when he will be healthy enough to practice but is hoping he can take part in training camp to get himself prepared to play.

Ertz was having a stellar season before he got hurt, having caught 47 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns.

“Obviously, it was very tough. I’ve never had a season (with such) abruptness. It was just, ‘You’re done,’ ” Ertz said. “I felt like I personally was playing really good football and it was tough for me obviously not to translate it into the wins that we were all expecting.”

Welcoming the birth of his first child with wife Julie — a son they named Madden — and being the Cardinals’ choice for the Walter Payton award has helped make up for a season that has been lost. Earning the nomination in just his second year in Arizona, he said, makes it even more special.

“I haven’t been here as long as I was in Philly but I think it speaks to just how great this organization has been to us,” Ertz said, sharing a podium with his wife and child. “From the minute I walked through the doors I felt something special, not only within the team, but from the top down and the whole culture. Just to be nominated for this award in my second year truly, truly means a lot to me.

“I said it since I got out here, this is where I want to retire and obviously, I still very much feel that way and a lot of it is just down to the people in this building. But it is special for sure.”

Ertz, along with his charity foundation, the Ertz Family Foundation and The Athletes’ Corner, have provided 1.4 million meals to families in need with the help of Feeding America. Ertz is also still giving back to his previous home in Philadelphia, which includes building the House of Hope in Hunting Park, Pa. that will create a safe space for local youth.

Injury report

Four players did not practice for the Cardinals on Thursday — cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (back), wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins (illness) and Rondale Moore (groin) and offensive lineman Rashaad Coward (chest).

Defensive lineman Trysten Hill (hamstring) and safety Charles Washington (chest) were limited while receiver Greg Dortch (thumb) was a full participant.

Five players did not practice for the Patriots. They were left tackle Trent Brown (illness), running back Damien Harris (thigh), receiver Jakobi Meyers (concussion), cornerback Jalen Mills (groin) and right tackle Isiah Wynn (foot). Backup tackle Yodny Cajuste (calf/back) was limited.

Elimination scenarios

Quarterback Kyler Murray was asked this week if he’s looked at the team’s tiny potential path to the playoffs despite the Cardinals’ 4-8 record overall and its 1-4 slate within the NFC West, and he seemed genuinely honest in his answer.

“It’s hard not to envision or try to look forward, but no,” Murray said. “We’ve got to keep managing the main thing. Obviously, there’s tons of scenarios that might have to take place, but we can only control what we can control.”

Even then, it’s not much as the Cardinals presently have just a 1 percent chance of returning to the postseason after last season’s 11-6 finish and early NFC Wild Card exit against the Rams. There’s virtually no chance of catching the 8-4 49ers for the NFC West title, even though Arizona plays San Francisco in Week 18.

If the Cardinals lose Monday night to the visiting Patriots, they can’t win the division. If the 49ers beat the Buccaneers, the Cardinals also are out if it. If Arizona tied New England and the Seahawks beat or tie the Panthers, the Cardinals are out as well.

Now, if the Cardinals defeat the Patriots at State Farm Stadium on “Monday Night Football,” they are still alive in the NFC playoff race overall, mathematically. If they lose, however, they would officially be eliminated from the chase if the Seahawks also beat Carolina and the Giants win or tie their game against the Eagles.

Rham-rod running back

The Cardinals will run into a powerful ballcarrier Monday night in Patriots’ second-year pro Rhamondre Stevenson, who looks even bigger than his 6-foot, 230-pound frame.

He’s a chore to bring down and in addition to leading New England in rushing (734 yards on 161 carries), he also leads the team in receptions with 56 for 383 yards.

“He’s going to be heavily into the game plan and a guy we’re going to need all 11 men to get to,” Cardinals safety Budda Baker said. “He’s a big dude. … Once I watched the film and see guys shying away from tackles and D-linemen missing tackles on him, I know what type of player he is. He’s definitely a guy I’m going to be excited to try to tackle and he’s a guy I’m definitely going to have to wrap up.”

Toy drive

The Cardinals are hosting a toy drive presented by Desert Financial Credit Union to benefit Helping Hands prior to kickoff of the team’s game Monday night at State Farm Stadium.

Volunteers will team with Cardinals cheerleaders to collect new unwrapped toys and donations outside each stadium entrance near security checkpoints. Fans can also make monetary donations using a QR code that will be posted throughout the stadium.

Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider of essential needs to Arizona’s 15,000-plus children in foster care. For more information on how to help, go to www.azhelpinghands.org.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals' Zach Ertz reveals he underwent ACL, MCL surgery