Zack Martin's Season Cut Short Due to Ankle Surgery
In a move that resonates across the NFL and with Dallas Cowboys fans, veteran offensive lineman Zack Martin will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. The unfortunate news was confirmed by head coach Mike McCarthy, who announced that Martin is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right ankle. This marks a significant moment for the Cowboys as they contend with the loss of one of the sport's most accomplished guards.
Martin's decision to opt for surgery was a unanimous one—a necessity rather than a choice. “Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle,” McCarthy stated, highlighting the unavoidable nature of the situation. Originally, there had been hope that he could return to action by the game against Cincinnati. “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… But as he went through the protocol and the planning, Friday, things didn’t look quite as good as we hoped,” McCarthy elaborated.
At 34, Martin is facing the harsh realities of professional football's physical demands. Having played 11 seasons in the league, all with the Cowboys, he has been a consistent cornerstone for their offensive line. His career boasts seven first-team All-Pro honors and nine Pro Bowl appearances—a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. However, this season has been marred by a troublesome ankle injury, an issue Martin has been grappling with for several years. “It’s something I’ve been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years,” Martin admitted.
The effects of his injury have been apparent on the field. Martin's offensive grades, as provided by Pro Football Focus, have seen a stark decline from 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024. Alongside this drop, he has allowed a career-high of five sacks this season, further emphasizing the toll his ankle injury has taken on his performance.
For the Cowboys, replacing Martin is an impossible task. Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass have stepped in to fill the void. “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, acknowledging the efforts of Martin’s replacements. However, he candidly admitted, “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.”
Off the field, Martin's support system has been invaluable during this challenging time. Former teammate Travis Frederick remains a steadfast ally. “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. Their camaraderie reflects the deep bonds formed within the team over the years.
As Martin faces surgery, speculation naturally arises about his future, especially as he's in the final year of his contract. The conversation about what comes next for Martin is looming, yet he has chosen to focus on recovery for now. “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 said.
McCarthy spoke to Martin’s legacy, emphasizing his impact not only through his gameplay but also his character. “Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class,” McCarthy asserted, paying tribute to Martin's influence both on and off the field.
The Cowboys are navigating a pivotal point in their season with the significant absence of a player of Martin's caliber. His leadership and talent have been foundational to the team’s success over the years. While replacements can cover his position, filling the vacuum of his experience and influence is challenging. As the Cowboys adjust, fans and teammates alike will await Martin's successful recovery and hopeful return to the field.