Zack Martin to Miss Remainder of 2024 NFL Season Due to Ankle Surgery
In a significant blow to the Dallas Cowboys, their veteran offensive lineman Zack Martin will miss the rest of the 2024 NFL season. The decision follows a unanimous consensus for Martin to undergo surgery on his right ankle, a troubling issue that has plagued him for several years. The announcement was made by head coach Mike McCarthy, who confirmed the surgery and the impact of Martin's absence on the team.
"Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle," McCarthy succinctly stated, capturing the gravity of the situation. This decision comes after a hopeful yet ultimately futile attempt to have Martin ready for 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 for the Cincinnati game," McCarthy explained. "But as he went through the protocol and the planning, Friday, things didn't look quite as good as we hoped."
A Hall of Fame Career in Jeopardy
Martin, now 34, has been a stalwart of the NFL for 11 seasons, earning first-team All-Pro honors seven times and making nine Pro Bowl appearances. Known for his strong presence on and off the field, Martin's absence will undoubtedly be felt by both his teammates and the coaching staff. McCarthy eloquently described Martin's influence, saying, "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class." 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 fiscal ramifications for Martin also loom large, as he is in the final year of his contract. While the decision to undergo surgery was deemed necessary for his health, the timing is certainly not ideal. Martin himself reflected on the complexity of the situation but remained focused on 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," Martin said.
Declining Performance Amid Injury Struggles
The right ankle issue is not new for Martin. "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years," he revealed. The persistent problem has visibly affected his performance on the field. His Pro Football Focus offensive grades saw a significant decline from a robust 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 this season. Moreover, Martin allowed a career-high of five sacks in 2024, raising concerns over his ongoing effectiveness under physical duress.
Next Man Up: Challenges for the Cowboys
In Martin's absence, Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass have been tasked with filling the substantial void on the Cowboys' offensive line. McCarthy acknowledged their effort and potential: "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." Despite their commendable performances, replacing Martin's veteran expertise and leadership will be an uphill battle.
Support System in Place
During this challenging period, Martin has found solace in his support system, including former teammate Travis Frederick. Martin mentioned their enduring friendship, saying, "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." This camaraderie and mutual support underscore the bonds that extend beyond the field, providing emotional strength amid professional adversities.
As the Cowboys move forward without their decorated veteran, the team will need to recalibrate its strategies and rely on emerging talents to maintain competitive momentum. Martin's contribution to the team, however, will remain indelible, both in the records he has set and the locker room presence he has embodied. The hope remains that post-surgery, he can recover fully and make decisions about his career from a place of improved health and clarity.