Cowboys Get Huge Zack Martin Update Before Week 16 Kickoff

One of the biggest stories over the past week for the Dallas Cowboys has been the health of their offensive line. Stud guard Zack Martin (quad) and starting left tackle Tyron Smith (back) were each nursing injuries, with both looking unlikely to suit up given their practice participation.

Smith was, in fact, ruled out, though Martin's status has remained up in the air. Just hours before kickoff in Week 16, the Cowboys received some big news on the eight-time Pro Bowler.

FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reports Martin is a go for Dallas' Christmas Eve clash against the Miami Dolphins. He's not the only questionable Cowboy to be suiting up, however, as safety Malik Hooker is set to play as well.

This is obviously great news for Mike McCarthy's squad heading into a huge matchup. Absences on the offensive line ending up playing a huge role in the team's Week 3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and history could've been primed to repeat itsef in Week 16 if Smith and Martin were both sidelined.

Though Smith will be missed, the experienced Martin should be able to keep this unit steady with his veteran presence. Having that kind of leader available for a contest of this magnitude is a major boost as Dallas eyes a run at the NFC's No. 1 seed down the stretch.

Injuries have a chance to shape this showdown as Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill deals with an ankle issue that sidelined him in Week 15. Glazer notes Hill is expected to give it a go in this one, but it appears as though he's not quite 100%.

That creates a massive opportunity for the Cowboys to capitalize on, especially when their O-line isn't quite full strength. Dan Quinn's defense could end controlling this game if they're able to quiet the hampered Hill Sunday afternoon.

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