The Dallas Cowboys will head into the remainder of the 2024 NFL season without one of their cornerstone players. Veteran offensive lineman Zack Martin will be sidelined as he undergoes surgery for a lingering right ankle issue. The decision to proceed with surgery, described as unanimous, marks the end of Martin's season, a significant blow considering his pivotal role on the team.
A Season Cut Short
Legendary head coach Mike McCarthy, who has been candid about Martin's situation, confirmed the news, stating, "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle." Martin's ankle problems have been a recurring issue, stretching back not just through the current season but over the past few years. "(The ankle issue) is something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years," Martin explained, highlighting the persistent nature of his struggle.
Despite attempts to manage the condition through strategic planning and protocols, the final decision became inevitable. "We started off a couple of weeks ago, we felt with the two weeks prior to Cincinnati, this was a good path for him to try to get back for the Cincinnati game," McCarthy shared. "But as he went through the protocol and the planning, Friday, things didn't look quite as good as we hoped."
A Storied Career
Martin's absence is about more than just on-field performance. The 34-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on November 20, is in the final year of his contract with the NFL. A veteran with 11 seasons under his belt, Martin has compiled a career that includes seven first-team All-Pro honors and nine Pro Bowl appearances, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite linemen. “Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class," McCarthy noted.
This season, however, his performance showed signs of decline. Martin's Pro Football Focus offensive grades dropped from 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024, a stark indication of the toll his ankle has taken. The decline culminated in a career-high of five sacks allowed this season, uncharacteristic for a player of Martin’s calibre.
Stepping Up
In Martin's absence, the Cowboys will look to players like Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass to fill the gap in the offensive line. McCarthy expressed confidence in the younger linemen's potential, asserting, "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."
Despite the coaching staff's assurance, replacing someone of Martin’s stature isn't merely a matter of plugging in another player. "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, underscoring both Martin’s tactical and emotional influence on the team.
Looking Ahead
As he faces surgery and recovery, Martin isn't focusing on his uncertain future with the Cowboys. "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," he stated, grounded in the present reality of his health and rehabilitation.
Throughout this challenging period, Martin has relied heavily on his support system, including close friend and former teammate Travis Frederick. “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 the personal connections that fortify athletes through adversity.
As Martin prepares to undergo surgery and embark on his recovery journey, the Cowboys and their fans can only hope for a swift and complete return for one of the most remarkable linemen of his generation. Until then, the team must navigate the remainder of the season without the leadership and tenacity that Martin has consistently provided.