The Dallas Cowboys have had more than their fair share of injury news on the offensive line in 2020. Tyron Smith (neck) was lost for the year in October and La’el Collins (hip) has been on the shelf all season. The biggest loss came in November when perennial All-Pro guard Zack Martin injured his calf on Thanksgiving against the Washington Football Team.
He was placed on injured reserve earlier this month; a minimum three-week hiatus. On Monday, reports surfaced that Martin may try to play this Sunday. However, team owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday morning it’s unlikely he does.
“I’m dubious that he can be there this week, but I’m not about the future weeks,” Jones said, via the team’s website. “We’ve got a chance in the future. He will make, and can make, such a difference in this football team.”
Not only has Martin continued to dominate at guard but he’s displayed his versatile skill set this season by sliding outside to tackle as well, and didn’t miss a beat. Jones realizes the impact Martin could bring if he’s available for a playoff run.
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“It really is the reason for a real optimistic thought about what happens if we could get in the playoffs,” Jones said. “It’s a real, valid, tangible thing to hang your hat on. He could change what we look like out there.”
Martin had been an ironman of sorts before 2020. In his first six seasons, the only two games he missed came in 2018. He’s missed five games total this season making it the toughest of his stellar career.
The Cowboys can only hope all the chips fall their way to get into the postseason this Sunday so that they can have their best player back on the field.
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