The Dallas Cowboys have been snake-bitten by injuries, which have played a big part in their struggles on the field. Heading into this season, the Cowboys were said to be “all-in,” but that hasn’t been the case.
Dallas has seen multiple defensive linemen, a wide receiver, and a starting quarterback all miss significant time over the last several weeks. The Cowboys have had to lean on backups to fill those voids, leading to a mixed bag of results.
However, on Thursday, the Cowboys were dealt another major loss, this time on the offensive line. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy announced that All-Pro guard Zack Martin will have a season-ending surgery on his ankle.
#Cowboys All-Pro G Zack Martin will have season-ending surgery on his ankle, coach Mike McCarthy announced. The 34-year-old played in just 10 games this season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 5, 2024
The 34-year-old lineman only played in 10 games this season as he battled through shoulder and ankle injuries. Martin will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason after spending 11 years with the Cowboys.
However, based on his age, Martin could also look to hang up the cleats. Martin has been a stalwart on Dallas’ offensive line for several years and has racked up numerous accolades (nine-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All-Pro, and HOF All-2010s Team).
With Martin out for the rest of the 2024 campaign, the Cowboys will continue to roll with Brock Hoffman at right guard.
Hoffman has started in place of Martin in Dallas’ last two games. The third-year offensive lineman has played well lately, which is good news for Dallas. They have a tough matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in primetime on Monday night.
Thin at Guard?
— All-22 (@All22_PFF) December 3, 2024
Brock Hoffman might've been more overlooked on Thanksgiving than jellied cranberry sauce. His last three PFF grades:
🟨 63.1 (W11)
🟩 66.8 (W12)
🟩 76.8 (W13)
Don’t wait—grab him while you can. https://t.co/2ZrOJkCatJ
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