Zack Martin's Season Cut Short By Ankle Surgery
In an unexpected turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys will be without one of their most stalwart presences on the offensive line, as Zack Martin will miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. The All-Pro guard, who has been a crucial part of the Cowboys' lineup for over a decade, is set to undergo surgery on his right ankle. The decision, announced by head coach Mike McCarthy, follows years of dealing with the persistent injury.
A Difficult Decision
Mike McCarthy addressed the situation candidly: "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle." It's a decision that was not taken lightly but instead was reached unanimously after careful deliberation. Martin himself admitted, "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years." Despite the efforts to manage the issue and the hope that Martin would return for a crucial matchup against Cincinnati, it became clear that surgery was the inevitable path forward. "Friday, things didn't look quite as good as we hoped," McCarthy revealed, outlining the difficult choice that lay before them.
A Storied Career
Now in his 11th season in the NFL, Martin's contributions to the Cowboys are well documented. Over these years, he has earned first-team All-Pro honors seven times and appeared in nine Pro Bowls. His consistency and skill have made him an indispensable leader on and off the field. However, Martin's Pro Football Focus offensive grades have seen a decline, from 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024, and he allowed a career-high five sacks this season. These statistics might partially reflect the toll that his nagging ankle injury has taken on his performance.
McCarthy couldn't help but praise the veteran guard as a "Hall of Famer," noting not only his prowess on the field but also his exemplary character: "He's going to be missed. We're not going to replace Zack Martin by no means. Just his presence...he's the veteran leader who leads one of the meetings."
Finding Replacements
As the Cowboys move forward, the challenge lies in filling the significant void left by Martin. Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass have been stepping in during Martin's absence, and McCarthy commended their efforts: "Those guys have worked hard. I mean Brock's done a nice job in there. T.J., I thought he played well in Washington. The biggest thing for him is to be consistent." Yet, despite their promise, replacing a player of Martin’s caliber is no small feat.
Looking Ahead
For Martin, who is in the final year of his contract, this juncture is both professional and personal. "This is not the time to have those discussions," he remarked, prioritizing his recovery. "The most important thing on my mind is getting healthy." His 34th birthday, just recently observed on November 20, serves as a reminder of both his experience and the realities faced by veteran athletes.
In the backdrop of his recovery stands an unwavering support network, including former teammate Travis Frederick, who remains a pivotal figure in Martin’s inner circle. Martin spoke warmly of Frederick, sharing, "Trav's like one of my best friends in the world. He was just calling and checking in on me. He's very aware, I've been filling him in kind of throughout the year."
Conclusion
While the Cowboys will undoubtedly feel Martin's absence, the focus has now shifted to his health and future. McCarthy summed up the collective sentiment succinctly: "This is all I'll say about that. It's a tough situation," punctuating the organization’s respect and concern for one of the NFL’s distinguished figures.