Zack Martin's Season Ends with Ankle Surgery Decision
The Dallas Cowboys will face the remainder of the 2024 NFL season without star offensive lineman Zack Martin, who is set to undergo surgery on his right ankle. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the news, stating, "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle." The decision came after careful deliberation, with unanimous support for the seasoned veteran to address a lingering ankle issue that has persisted for several years.
Martin's injury journey has been a long and arduous one. The 11-season NFL player, renowned for his resilience and performance, has been grappling with ankle trouble since training camps in recent years. “It’s something I’ve been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years,” Martin shared, highlighting the chronic nature of his condition. Despite varying treatments, the hope of returning to peak form remained elusive.
Decline and Determination on the Field
Though Martin has built an illustrious career—garnering seven first-team All-Pro honors and nine Pro Bowl appearances—this season saw him confronting challenges not solely related to physical health. His Pro Football Focus offensive grades have visibly declined from a stellar 94.2 in 2021 to just 65.6 in 2024. Additionally, Martin allowed a career-high of five sacks this season, an unprecedented figure for the lineman often heralded as a Hall of Fame contender.
Head coach McCarthy reflected on Martin's impact and offered accolades for his contributions: "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class." While Martin's absence will certainly be felt, McCarthy acknowledges the challenge of filling his shoes. "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," McCarthy remarked.
Next Men Up
In Martin’s stead, the Cowboys have leaned on Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass to hold the offensive line. McCarthy praised their efforts, recognizing the hard work and dedication each brings to the field. "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 noted, stressing the importance of steady play as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The burden is heavy as the team attempts to fill the gap left by Martin, who turned 34 on November 20 and is playing in the final year of his contract. With Martin sidelined, the Cowboys must adjust on and off the field, looking to maintain morale and momentum amidst these shifts.
A Personal Challenge
Off the field, Martin finds support from a strong personal network, including his longtime friend and former teammate Travis Frederick. "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 revealed, highlighting the camaraderie and connection that transcends the gridiron.
This camaraderie and shared understanding offer reassurance as Martin focuses on recovery. While discussions concerning his future in the NFL remain at bay, Martin emphasizes the immediate priority: "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."
As the Cowboys regroup and refocus in Martin's absence, his presence continues to linger within the team ethos—an enduring force even from the sidelines. The path forward may be challenging, yet it persists, anchored by mutual respect and resolve among players and staff alike.