Cowboys Great Now One Step Closer to Leaving Dallas in Offseason

In preparation for their Monday Night Football clash with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Dallas Cowboys made a couple of roster moves, including activating Amani Oruwariye from the IR list, elevating Andrew Booth from the practice squad, and signing Kemon Hall to the active roster. Most importantly, however, the Cowboys placed star offensive lineman Zack Martin on the injured reserve list.

NFL News: Cowboys Place G Zack Martin on IR

This doesn't come as a surprise for Cowboys fans. The team already announced that the perennial All-Pro guard would undergo season-ending surgery to his ankle. Martin was already not expected to see the field again this season and this update confirms what we already knew.

This was a disappointing season for Martin. The veteran guard, who has made the Pro Bowl every year he was healthy, had the worst season of his illustrious career in 2024. The 34-year-old finally showed some signs of decline as he dealt with various injuries, including to his back, shoulder, and now his ankle.

Brock Hoffman will continue to start in Martin's absence, with T.J. Bass potentially getting more run in the final stretch of the season.

What the Cowboys' long-term plan for their offensive line, however, remains to be seen. Martin has consistently been the best offensive lineman on the team, and he is the longest-tenured Cowboy on the roster. His contract expires at the end of the season, and whether there is mutual interest in another season is uncertain.

If Martin wants to play for another season, the Cowboys should be thrilled to have him back. Unfortunately, however, we have heard no indication that the former first-round pick is leaning toward that. Finding a replacement for a Cowboys great will be difficult in the offseason.

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