Week 15 turned out to be an outright disaster for the Dallas Cowboys. Not only did the team get humiliated 31-10 against the Buffalo Bills, but star right guard Zack Martin was also forced to leave the contest in the first quarter and did not return.
Martin's absence certain prompted some big worries from fans in Big D. Thankfully, the first postgame update on the All-Pro is a good one.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said he is less concerned about RG Zack Martin’s quad injury now than he was initially. Martin, who missed entire second half, told McCarthy he is OK. pic.twitter.com/8wbYqdc78f
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 18, 2023
Head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters after the loss that he's less concerned about Martin's quad injury now than when he initially went down. The eight-time Pro Bowler even told his HC he's okay, which indicates he avoided anything major.
Now, there's no telling how Martin will feel in the coming days. Additional tests could reveal deeper damage as well, so he's not out of the woods just yet. But the initial prognosis appears to be an encouraging one at the very least.
Martin's absence would certainly be left if he does miss a game or two down the stretch. The only time he's been inactive all year was in Week 3, when Dallas' offensive line issues played a role in the team's stunning upset loss at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals.
The timing of Martin's injury makes this situation even more of a possible obstacle. The Cowboys have just three games remaining, and with the No. 1 seed not looking incredibly likely, the team will be in action during the first weekend of the postseason.
That sets a strict timeline for Martin to get back to 100%. McCarthy would surely love to have his difference-making talent at guard to close the regular season, but he needs to weigh that versus prioritizing playoff success.
Hopefully the veteran doesn't have any lingering effects from this injury in the immediate aftermath. Otherwise, Dallas might be forced to rest him in order to preserve him for the bright lights of the postseason.
In other Cowboys news: