For days the Dallas Cowboys have held out hope that all-world offensive guard Zack Martin would be able to play in tomorrow’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Today the official decision was reached.
On Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys reportedly determined that Martin is out for Thursday’s game. Connor McGovern, who started eight games at right guard last year, will take Martin’s place.
Zack Martin has been recovering from COVID-19, which he came down with last week. The team reportedly held out hope that he’d recover in time, and were even willing to bring him in separately on a private jet if he recovered in time.
But according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Martin simply isn’t at that stage yet. However, there is hope that he will be available for Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cowboys RG Zack Martin won’t play Thursday evening at Buccaneers, source said. Team held out hope, willing to fly him to Tampa on private jet Thursday. But his recovery from COVID-19 hasn’t reached that stage. Week 2 game at Chargers a realistic target.
Connor McGovern to start.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 8, 2021
Zack Martin is a six-time Pro Bowler and a six-time All-Pro selection. He was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Last year he missed six games due to injuries, and the offense struggled in his absence (even more so considering they had already lost Dak Prescott for the season at that point).
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has even referred to Martin as the best player on the team. Clearly the team will struggle to be at its best in his absence.
How will Zack Martin being ruled out affect the Cowboys’ chances of winning tomorrow?
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