The Dallas Cowboys will have to navigate the remainder of the 2024 NFL season without one of their stalwarts, Zack Martin. The team announced that Martin will undergo season-ending surgery on his right ankle—a decision driven by long-standing issues that have plagued the All-Pro guard over the years.
Decision for Surgery
The move to opt for surgery was not made lightly. As head coach Mike McCarthy explained, "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 conclusion to go under the knife was a unanimous one, indicating the severity of the situation.
Martin, who turned 34 on November 20, has been battling ankle issues for several years. He noted, "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years." It's an ailment that required a decisive action to not only address the immediate physical toll but also consider his long-term health prospects beyond this NFL season.
Impact on the Cowboys
Replacing a player of Martin's caliber is no easy feat. Across his 11 seasons in the league, Martin has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offensive line, earning first-team All-Pro honors seven times and making nine Pro Bowl appearances. His reputation as one of the NFL's finest linemen is well-cemented, with McCarthy affirming, "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class."
Despite his illustrious career, age and injury seemed to have caught up with Martin this season. His Pro Football Focus offensive grades fell to 65.6 in 2024 from a formidable 94.2 in 2021, and he allowed a career-high five sacks this year. This decline vividly illustrates the impact the ankle issue has had on his performance.
Next Men Up
In Martin's absence, the onus falls on Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass to fill the considerable 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 commented on their efforts. While the duo's performance has been commendable, McCarthy readily 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."
The Cowboys will need to rely heavily on these young players as they forge ahead without their veteran leader, whose tactical knowledge and presence on the field will undoubtedly be missed.
Future Considerations
As Martin confronts this turning point, the broader aspects of his career come into play, with 2024 being the final year of his current contract. While discussions about his future with the Cowboys are inevitable, Martin is laser-focused on his recovery. "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 asserted, wisely choosing to prioritize his health over contractual negotiations at this juncture.
Support System
During this testing time, Martin has drawn strength from his close relationships, notably with Travis Frederick, a former teammate and part of his support network. "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, highlighting the camaraderie and friendship that transcends the game itself.
The road to recovery for Zack Martin might be fraught with challenges, but with a support system rallying behind him and a resolve to prioritize his health, he remains a beacon of inspiration both for his teammates and fans alike. As the Cowboys brace for the remainder of the season, the echoes of Martin's influence will resonate both on and off the field.