Cowboys’ Cam Erving placed on IR, Zack Martin, Luke Gifford returning?

The Cowboys injury woes continue, especially on the O-Line, as Cam Erving was added on the IR. Plus, will Zack Martin return this season?

One of the keys to success in football is stability on the offensive line, and the Dallas Cowboys have had just the opposite in 2020.

The team announced Friday that tackle Cam Erving is being placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury. This is Erving’s second stint on the IR this year, meaning he is ineligible to return again this season.

Of the 10 offensive lineman on the initial Dallas roster in September, seven have spent time on the IR this season, and Erving is the fourth to be ruled out for the year.

Erving had been filling in at left tackle for Tyron Smith, who played just two games before heading to the season-ending IR with a neck injury.

Brandon Knight, who originally took over for Smith before meeting a knee scope, replaced Erving following his injury on Thanksgiving, and Knight will likely finish the year as the Cowboys left tackle. Barring injury.

Erving’s future in Dallas is uncertain, as he signed a one-year deal this past offseason.

There was a bit of potentially positive news regarding the offensive line. Mike McCarthy told the media the club isn’t ready to rule out right guard Zack Martin for the season. Martin injured his calf just three plays after Erving went out on Thanksgiving.

Martin did his best to keep the offensive front afloat this season. The All Pro began the season at his usual position but moved over to right tackle before the Cowboys Week 11 win in Minnesota, where he continued to play at an elite level.

When Martin landed on IR, some believed his season was over because of how few weeks are left. It remains to be seen how Martin’s rehab progresses, and if Dallas chooses to play him in the last few games of a lost season, as Martin being healthy next year should be a top priority for the Cowboys.

Luke Gifford has finished his two-game suspension for violating NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy, and the linebacker rejoined the team for practice Friday.