Seven-time All-Pro guard Zack Martin will have season-ending surgery on his right ankle, Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy announced Thursday.
McCarthy acknowledged that he had a conversation with Martin this week, with the latter determining that surgery was the best avenue toward recovery.
“He’s gonna be missed,” McCarthy said. “We’re not gonna replace Zack Martin, by any means. … He brings so much to the team and the team culture. We all recognize what kind of player he’s been here in Dallas, but the type of person he is — people gravitate to him. His leadership, he’ll definitely be missed in that area.”
Martin, 34, is in the final year of his contract. He said in June that retirement was an option following this season.
“Clearly a Hall of Famer,” McCarthy said. “Not only for the way he plays but just first class. He just commands a lot of respect. Same person, personality every single day. Hard working. True team guy. Puts the team first. He’s been a joy to work with and I can’t say enough great things about him.”
A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Martin was named the Cowboys’ 2024 nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award on Thursday.
Martin last played in Dallas’ 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Nov. 18. Undrafted guard Brock Hoffman replaced Martin on the line over the last two games.
“I thought Brock has done a really nice job,” McCarthy said. “He’s brought an edge to us.
“Now, (Hoffman and T.J. Bass) have tape of people watching them, so the challenge will be different.”
Martin has started 10 games this season and all 162 in which he has played since the Cowboys selected him with the 16th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
–Field Level Media
