Zack Martin's Season Cut Short by Ankle Surgery
The Dallas Cowboys will have to navigate the remainder of the NFL season without one of their stalwarts on the offensive line. Zack Martin, a cornerstone of the Cowboys for over a decade, will miss the rest of the 2024 season following a decision to undergo surgery on his right ankle. The announcement was made by head coach Mike McCarthy, who stated, "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle."
The decision, described as unanimous, brings an end to a challenging season for Martin, who has been grappling with ankle issues for several years. Despite efforts to manage the injury throughout training camp and the season, it became evident that surgery was unavoidable. Reflecting on the situation, Martin shared, "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years."
A Decline in Performance
Martin's decision for surgery follows a noticeable decline in his performance this season. Once known for his impenetrable presence on the line, Martin's Pro Football Focus offensive grade plunged from an impressive 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024. Furthermore, he allowed a career-high five sacks this year – an indication that his physical condition may have affected his play.
At 34, Martin is in the final year of his contract and has spent 11 seasons in the NFL, achieving first-team All-Pro honors seven times and making nine Pro Bowl appearances. However, this season's downturn was apparent. Head coach McCarthy spoke about the challenges inflicted by Martin's absence: "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."
Searching for Stability in Martin's Absence
The Cowboys are now tasked with filling the void left by Martin, a task that has seen Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass stepping up in his absence. "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 the duo's efforts to step into Martin's sizeable shoes.
While Hoffman's and Bass's performances have been commendable, the Cowboys know that replacing a player of Martin's caliber isn't a simple task. As McCarthy aptly put it, "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class."
Support from Friends and Teammates
Support systems play a crucial role for athletes confronted with career-altering decisions. Martin is finding comfort in the company of long-time friend and former teammate Travis Frederick. "Trav's like one of my best friends in the world," Martin said. "He was just calling and checking in on me. He's very aware, I've been filling him in kind of throughout the year."
Having a character like Frederick around underscores the camaraderie and bonds formed within the locker room — bonds that continue beyond the field of play, particularly during critical times like this.
Focus on Recovery
With the surgery looming, Martin's priorities are clear. "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 stated, understandably placing his focus on recovery rather than future contractual considerations.
As the Cowboys strategize the rest of their season without their venerable guard, the organization and fans alike will undoubtedly hold hope for Martin's swift and robust recovery. His leadership, skill, and influence on and off the field have been immeasurable, and his return to full health remains a priority for all invested in the Cowboys' future.