Veteran Lineman Zack Martin Sidelined for Season by Ankle Surgery
The Dallas Cowboys will be without the invaluable presence of Zack Martin for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. The veteran offensive lineman, a staple in the Cowboys' offense for over a decade, will undergo surgery on his ailing right ankle, as announced by head coach Mike McCarthy.
In a press conference, McCarthy stated, "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle." The decision came after weeks of deliberation and attempts to manage Martin's ankle condition that has been troubling him for several years. McCarthy detailed the process, noting, "We started off a couple of weeks ago, we felt with the two weeks prior to Cincinnati, we felt this was a good path for him to try to get back for the Cincinnati game. But as he went through the protocol and the planning, Friday, things didn't look quite as good as we hoped."
A Lingering Battle
For Martin, the pain isn't a recent issue. He revealed, "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years." It's a testament to his resilience and dedication that he continued to anchor the offensive line despite the discomfort.
The decision to opt for surgery was unanimous, highlighting both medical necessity and Martin's commitment to fully recovering. Now entering the final year of his contract, Martin's future with the Cowboys is uncertain, but his status as a "Hall of Famer" remains unchallenged. McCarthy praised Martin, both for his on-field excellence and his character: "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class."
A Decorated Career
Martin, who recently turned 34, boasts an illustrious NFL career spanning 11 seasons. He has earned first-team All-Pro honors seven times and made nine Pro Bowl appearances. However, the 2024 season witnessed a dip in his typically stellar performance, with his Pro Football Focus offensive grades declining from an impressive 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6. Additionally, Martin allowed a career-high of five sacks this season, signs that perhaps his persistent ankle issues were taking their toll.
Filling Big Shoes
In Martin's absence, the Cowboys have turned to Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass to fill the significant void. McCarthy expressed his confidence in the replacements but acknowledged the challenge they face: "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." Nonetheless, he admitted, "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."
The Road to Recovery
Martin's focus now shifts entirely to rehabilitation, making it clear that his eligibility for the 2025 season remains secondary to his health. "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 emphasized.
Throughout this ordeal, Martin has counted on a strong support system, including his close friend, 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—a reminder of the camaraderie and bonds formed within the locker room.
As the Dallas Cowboys press on through the season without their stalwart guard, the hope remains that Martin will return to the field fully recovered and as dominant as ever. The journey to healing is now his primary undertaking, a determined effort to ensure his legendary career endures for seasons to come.