Zack Martin's Season Comes to an Abrupt End Due to Ankle Surgery
The NFL's landscape will be a bit quieter without the imposing presence of Zack Martin for the remainder of the 2024 season. The veteran offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys will undergo surgery on his right ankle, a decision that was unanimously agreed upon following ongoing issues that have plagued him for several years. Head coach Mike McCarthy announced the difficult decision, marking a significant shift for the Cowboys as they navigate the rest of the season without one of their most stalwart players.
"Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle," McCarthy confirmed, highlighting the weight of the decision. "We started off a couple of weeks ago... 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."
Martin's struggle with his ankle is not new. It's an ailment that has shadowed him for some time, stretching back to training camp and even further. "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years," Martin acknowledged, underscoring the ongoing battle he's fought to stay on the field.
A Legacy of Excellence
Throughout his illustrious 11-season career in the NFL, Martin has established himself not only as a dominant force on the field but also as a revered leader off it. His accolades speak volumes: seven-time first-team All-Pro honors and nine Pro Bowl selections. Despite his prowess, this season saw a decline in his performance, as reflected by Pro Football Focus, which noted a drop in his offensive grades from 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024. Additionally, he allowed a career-high five sacks this year.
The decision for surgery also comes at a time of contract uncertainty. Martin is in the final year of his current contract, which could add another layer of complexity to his already challenging situation. However, Martin seems focused solely 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 noted.
Filling the Void
With Martin sidelined, the Cowboys have turned to Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass to fill the daunting gap left in the offensive line. While both have shown promise, McCarthy recognizes that replacing a player like Martin extends beyond performance metrics. "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 explained. He further added, "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."
The support for Martin extends beyond the field as well. Travis Frederick, a former Cowboy and part of Martin's support system, has been a consistent presence in his life. "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, reflecting on the camaraderie that permeates through the sport's often harsh realities.
Looking Ahead
As Martin turns 34, the veteran lineman's future in the NFL may be uncertain, yet there's little doubt about his legacy. McCarthy summed it up fittingly, "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class." That sentiment is likely shared across the league, where Martin's excellence has set a high bar for offensive linemen.
While the Cowboys adjust to this new chapter without one of their key pillars, the hope is for Martin's successful recovery and potential return to the form that has defined his remarkable career. As the season continues, both fans and teammates will no doubt miss the tenacity and leadership of a player often described as irreplaceable.