Zack Martin to Miss Remainder of 2024 Season Due to Ankle Surgery
The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant setback in their pursuit of postseason success following the announcement that All-Pro guard Zack Martin will miss the rest of the 2024 NFL season. Martin, who has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offensive line for over a decade, will undergo surgery on his right ankle, a decision finalized unanimously by the team's medical staff and coaching team.
Head coach Mike McCarthy shared the news, stating, "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle." McCarthy elaborated on the situation, explaining that there had been hope for Martin's return for the game against Cincinnati, but the recovery did not progress as anticipated. "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," McCarthy said.
Challenges Despite a Legendary Career
Martin, who turned 34 just last month, has battled the ankle issue since training camp. It’s an ailment that has plagued him over several seasons. "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years," Martin admitted. The lingering injury has contributed to a noticeable decline in performance, with his Pro Football Focus offensive grades dropping significantly from 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024. Additionally, he allowed a career-high five sacks this season, marking a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar career.
Throughout his 11-year career, Martin has earned first-team All-Pro honors seven times and has made nine Pro Bowl appearances, cementing his reputation as one of the elite guards in the NFL. "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class," McCarthy commented, underscoring Martin’s impact both on and off the field.
Transition and Support
With Martin sidelined, the Cowboys have turned to Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass to fill the substantial void left on the line. McCarthy has acknowledged the efforts of his replacement guards, saying, "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." The responsibility on their shoulders is tremendous, as McCarthy admits, "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."
In these challenging times, Martin has found support from former teammate Travis Frederick, who remains a close confidant. "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 remarked. The camaraderie with Frederick serves as a reminder of the brotherhood and enduring bonds formed in the trenches of the NFL.
Looking Forward
With the surgery ahead, Martin remains focused on recovery rather than mulling over career decisions at this juncture. He is in the final year of his contract, which naturally raises questions about his future with the Cowboys and in the NFL. However, Martin is prioritizing his health above all else. "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.
The Cowboys, now without their veteran guard, must forge ahead as they aim to make a deep playoff run. Though Martin's absence will undoubtedly be felt, both the team and fans alike hope for a successful surgery and recovery, paving the way for perhaps future contributions from this decorated athlete, whether on or off the field.
As fans rally behind Martin in this trying time, the narrative of resilience and camaraderie within the Cowboys organization remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport.