Zack Martin to Miss Remainder of 2024 NFL Season Due to Ankle Surgery
By the time Zack Martin turned 34 on November 20th, the veteran guard had experienced a season unlike any other in his 11 years with the NFL. The seven-time first-team All-Pro, admired for his play and professionalism, faced a troubling decline in his performance, culminating in a decision that could significantly impact his career and the Dallas Cowboys’ season. Martin will undergo season-ending surgery on his right ankle, a resolution that he and the team agreed upon unanimously.
The announcement came from head coach Mike McCarthy, who revealed the details surrounding the decision. "Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle," McCarthy stated. Initially, the team had hoped Martin could recover without surgery, aiming for a return against Cincinnati. "We started off a couple of weeks ago, we felt with the two weeks prior to Cincinnati, this was a good path for him to try to get back," McCarthy elaborated. However, as Martin proceeded through the recovery protocol, it became apparent that surgery was necessary. "Friday, things didn't look quite as good as we hoped," McCarthy added.
For Martin, this procedure addresses an ankle issue that has plagued him for several years. "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years," Martin disclosed. Despite efforts to manage the injury, his performance metrics reveal a clear impact, with Pro Football Focus offensive grades falling from a high of 94.2 in 2021 to a concerning 65.6 in 2024. Furthermore, Martin allowed a career-high of five sacks this season, further emphasizing the physical challenges he faced.
The loss of Martin is undeniably profound for the Cowboys. "He's going to be missed. We're not going to replace Zack Martin by no means," McCarthy lamented, highlighting the veteran's invaluable presence on and off the field. "Just his presence...he's the veteran leader who leads one of the meetings." In the absence of Martin, Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass are expected to fill the void. McCarthy acknowledged their efforts, stating, "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."
Martin's absence leaves the Cowboys without one of their stalwarts in their offensive line during a pivotal time in the season. As he is also in the final year of his contract, questions naturally arise about his future. "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 expressed, choosing to focus on recovery.
Amidst these professional challenges, Martin has leaned on his close support network. Former teammate Travis Frederick plays a significant role in this, providing emotional support and guidance. "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, illustrating the camaraderie that extends beyond the playing field.
As the Cowboys strategize how to adjust for the remainder of the season without Martin, the focus remains on the here and now. Martin's legacy as a "Hall of Famer," praised by McCarthy for being both an extraordinary player and a person of immense class, is already established. While his immediate priority is healing, the future remains a mystery yet to unfold.
The news of Martin's surgery serves as a somber reminder of the physical toll the sport can exact, even on the most durable players. For now, Dallas must navigate the remainder of their schedule without one of their fiercest competitors, even as Martin begins his journey back to health and potentially, back to the game he has graced for over a decade.