Zack Martin's Season Cut Short Due to Ankle Surgery
In a blow to the Dallas Cowboys, star offensive lineman Zack Martin will miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season due to a lingering right ankle issue that requires surgery. Head coach Mike McCarthy announced the development, stating unequivocally, "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle."
Martin has been grappling with the troublesome ankle since training camp, a problem that has persisted over several years. Despite hopes of returning for the Cincinnati game, it became evident during preparation protocols that surgery was inevitable. "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," McCarthy explained. "But as he went through the protocol and the planning, Friday, things didn’t look quite as good as we hoped."
At 34, Martin finds himself in the final year of his contract with the Cowboys, a situation he prefers not to dwell on at this critical juncture. "This is not the time to have those discussions," Martin stated firmly. "This is all I'll say about that. It's a tough situation and the most important thing on my mind is getting healthy."
Despite his physical struggles, Martin's legacy remains undisputed. Across 11 NFL seasons, he has earned first-team All-Pro honors seven times and has made nine Pro Bowl appearances, underlining his exceptional caliber. Reflecting on Martin's career, McCarthy remarked, "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class."
The impact of Martin’s absence on the team is significant. "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 acknowledged. As the Cowboys navigate the rest of the season without their stalwart offensive lineman, Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass have stepped up to fill the void left by Martin. "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 noted, expressing confidence in his players.
Martin's performance on the field had shown signs of strain prior to this decision, with his Pro Football Focus offensive grades dipping from an impressive 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024. His struggles were apparent as he allowed a career-high of five sacks this season. The decision for surgery, while difficult, was unanimously supported by the team and Martin, a necessary step toward recovery from the debilitating issue.
Off the field, Martin's support system includes close friendships that keep him grounded. One such bond is with 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, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie amidst professional challenges.
As Martin undergoes surgery and begins his recovery process, the Cowboys will have to strategize and adapt without their veteran leader. The team and fans alike will undoubtedly feel the absence of the player whose talent and character have defined high standards on and off the field.