Zack Martin Sidelined: Veteran Guard to Miss Rest of 2024 Season Due to Ankle Surgery
The Dallas Cowboys will be without one of their stalwarts for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. Zack Martin, the team's revered offensive guard, will undergo season-ending surgery on his right ankle, as confirmed by head coach Mike McCarthy. This decision, McCarthy stated, was unanimously reached, marking a significant blow to the Cowboys' lineup. "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle," McCarthy said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
For Martin, the surgery ends a challenging chapter of his career that has been marred by persistent ankle issues. This condition has plagued him not just this season but over several years, all the way back to training camp. As Martin revealed, "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years." Despite his valiant attempts to manage the injury and return to the field, it became evident that rest and rehabilitation were not enough for the veteran player.
The Decision for Surgery
The decision to proceed with surgery was not taken lightly. Discussions extended over weeks, with the hopes that Martin could potentially return for the Cincinnati game. However, as McCarthy recounted, "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." The persistent nature of the injury and the lack of improvement led to the final call for surgery.
The Legacy of a Hall of Famer
Zack Martin's potential absence leaves a huge gap, not only in the Cowboys' offensive line but also in the team's spirit. Now in his 11th NFL season, Martin is in the final year of his contract. His career, however, speaks volumes, decorated with first-team All-Pro honors seven times and nine Pro Bowl appearances. McCarthy summed up Martin’s impact quite aptly, stating, "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class."
Despite his dwindling Pro Football Focus offensive grades—falling from 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024—Martin remains a formidable presence. However, this season has seen him allowing a career-high of five sacks, indicative of the physical toll the injury has taken. His leadership extends beyond his gameplay; McCarthy noted, "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."
Next Men Up
In Martin's stead, the Cowboys have looked to Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass to fill the void on the offensive line. McCarthy expressed confidence in the duo's potential, commenting, "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."
Support from a Close Friend
Amidst this tumultuous period, Martin draws strength from his close-knit support system, including his longtime friend and former Cowboys center, Travis Frederick. Martin shared, "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." Such friendship offers solace as Martin prepares for the road to recovery.
A Focus on Recovery
For Martin, the priority now shifts to focusing on his rehabilitation. While his future with the Cowboys remains uncertain due to his contract situation, Martin remains concentrated on overcoming his present challenges. "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 emphasized.
The Dallas Cowboys face a significant challenge in compensating for Martin's absence, both on and off the field. As they tread forward, the echoes of Martin's contributions will undoubtedly resound throughout their season. Whether or not he returns to don the Cowboys jersey next year, Zack Martin's legacy as a first-class player and undeniable leader firmly cements his place in the annals of NFL history.