Zack Martin to Miss Remainder of Season Due to Ankle Surgery
In a crucial development for the Dallas Cowboys, perennial All-Pro guard Zack Martin will sit out the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. The 34-year-old lineman is set to undergo surgery on his right ankle—a decision that was unanimously agreed upon, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
"Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle," McCarthy confirmed, putting an end to any speculation regarding Martin's availability for the remainder of the schedule. The decision was made after a lengthy evaluation process deemed the surgical route the most beneficial for Martin in the long run.
Martin, who has long been a linchpin for the Cowboys' offensive front, has been combating issues with this ankle for years, he revealed. "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years," Martin stated, indicating that this was not an off-the-cuff decision but rather the resolution of a chronic problem.
This marks a significant shift for the Cowboys, who have relied heavily on Martin's abilities during his 11-season tenure. Having secured first-team All-Pro honors seven times and made nine Pro Bowl appearances, Martin's absence will undoubtedly be felt not only in terms of skill but also leadership. "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," McCarthy emphasized.
Struggles and Support
The decision comes as Martin's performance metrics, as measured by Pro Football Focus, have seen a noticeable decline. Once boasting an offensive grade of 94.2 in 2021, Martin's grade slipped to 65.6 in 2024, with a career-high five sacks allowed over the season. However, such statistics tell only part of the story, as Martin's otherworldly football IQ and experience remain irreplaceable assets to Dallas.
During his absence, offensive linemen Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass have been stepping up to fill the formidable void left by Martin's out-of-action status. "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," McCarthy elaborated, showing confidence in his bench while acknowledging the challenge ahead.
Martin's personal network remains strong, bolstered by the likes of former Cowboys center Travis Frederick, who is part of his crucial support system. "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," Martin shared, illustrating how his well-being extends beyond the gridiron.
Looming Questions
While the immediate concern is Martin's health and recovery, questions linger about his future with the franchise, as he is in the final year of his contract. "This is not the time to have those discussions. This is all I'll say about that. It's a tough situation and the most important thing on my mind is getting healthy," Martin remarked when asked about his plans post-surgery.
McCarthy left no doubt about Martin's legacy in the sport: "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class," he said, highlighting both Martin's contributions on the field and the character he exudes.
As the Cowboys navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most reliable players, they'll have to adjust quickly to maintain their competitive edge. The impact of such an absence reinforces the old sports aphorism that sometimes the toughest opponents are the ones you can't see—the invisible adversaries like injury that challenge teams to rise above and perform under duress.