Zack Martin to Miss Rest of 2024 NFL Season Due to Ankle Surgery
In a significant blow to the team and fans alike, the Dallas Cowboys' stalwart guard Zack Martin will miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. This development is a result of Martin's decision to undergo surgery on his right ankle, a consensus reached unanimously among the team's medical staff and Martin himself. Head coach Mike McCarthy broke the difficult news, highlighting Martin's essential role both on and off the field.
"Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle," McCarthy stated, emphasizing the gravity of the decision. The plan initially suggested a return in time for the Cincinnati game after evaluating his condition, but unfortunately, "things didn't look quite as good as we hoped" by the end of the evaluation process, according to McCarthy.
Martin, despite being in peak physical form for over a decade in the league, has been battling with this ankle issue not just this year, but for several years. "It's something I've been dealing with all year, back to training camp, really, over the last few years," Martin admitted. The persistent pain and its impact on his performance necessitated the difficult decision to opt for surgery now, ensuring a comprehensive recovery moving forward.
A Storied Career
At 34, Martin has already earned himself a place in the conversation for the Hall of Fame, a view shared wholeheartedly by his coach. "Clearly a Hall of Famer. Not only for the way he plays but just first class," McCarthy said, commending Martin's leadership and influence within the team.
His illustrious career spans 11 remarkable seasons, during which Martin has achieved first-team All-Pro honors seven times and made nine appearances in the Pro Bowl. However, the performance dips — most notably a decline in his Pro Football Focus offensive grades from 94.2 in 2021 to 65.6 in 2024 — and the career-high five sacks allowed this season have underscored the toll his enduring ankle issues have taken on his game.
The Leadership Void
As uncompromising as the decision was, it leaves a void within the Cowboys' lineup, one that McCarthy knows can't easily be filled. "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 observed. In his absence, the onus falls on Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass to step into the breach, both having shown glimpses of promise earlier this season. "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 encouraged.
While the surgery and recovery will be Martin's primary focus, he remains reticent about discussions concerning his future with the team. With this being the final year of his contract, questions naturally swirl about what's next for the seasoned veteran. Martin, however, remains laser-focused on his recovery right now. "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 asserted.
A Strong Support System
Despite the challenges, Martin isn't facing this challenging phase alone. Longtime friend and former teammate Travis Frederick is part of his support system, offering both emotional and practical support. "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, underscoring the friendship and camaraderie that continue to buoy him through this challenging chapter.
For Cowboys fans, Martin's absence is set to be keenly felt. A symbol of grit, prowess, and leadership, his impact transcends statistics. As Zack Martin steps away to heal and regroup, the hope is for a full recovery and a triumphant return, whether that sees him in a Cowboys uniform once more or elsewhere on the gridiron.