Tag: Zack Martin

Zack Martin can’t be replaced but this UDFA can carve out his own role

Brock Hoffman isn’t Zack Martin and for the Cowboys O-line, that’s fine, says @ReidDHanson.

When Hillary Swank replaced Ralph Macchio as the Karate Kid in the franchise’s fourth movie, she wasn’t met with open hearts and open minds. For as annoying as the Daniel LaRusso character was at times, Macchio was a legend in his role. Swank never stood a chance in her bid to replace Macchio because legends simply can’t be replaced.

Legends aren’t just the standard bearers for which all replacements are measured, they hold a mythical status to fans. Zack Martin holds that mythical status reserved for legends. For years he’s been the Cowboys most dominant player. He’s a generational offensive lineman who is both blue-chip and blue collar. He has been the model of consistency in Dallas and a beloved character in and out of the locker room.

So, when Martin announced he’ll be having season-ending surgery this week and will not be returning to the field this year, fans were understandably heartbroken. It’s been long speculated 2024 will be Martin’s last year as a pro and the Cowboys will be turning the last page on this truly awesome offensive line era that once also featured him, Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick.

Brock Hoffman, the man who has started in Martin’s place the last two weeks, will presumably replace him down the stretch as well. Fans loved what Hoffman brought to the table in his two starts. He graded out well in both phases of the game and was a frequent thorn in his opponents’ side up to and even after the whistle.

Hoffman’s nasty attitude endeared him to fans and inspired teammates along the way. While this could make for a smooth transition to the new era, filling in for injury is one thing but replacing a legend on a more permanent basis is something else entirely.

The good news for Hoffman is that he doesn’t need to be Martin. The Cowboys have something like that already in 2023 All-Pro Tyler Smith. What they need from Hoffman is for the 25-year-old to just be his regular, cantankerous self.

Instead of trying to fill Martin’s enormous shoes, Hoffman just needs to bring a pair of his own. The value he brings isn’t in dominance at the point of attack it’s in his ability to put opponents on tilt and raise the energy amongst his brethren alongside him. It’s been a while since the Cowboys had a certified jerk on their offensive line and that might have been a problem. It takes all types to round a strong unit, and Hoffman fits his own unique role.

Replacing Martin is impossible and if fans are looking for a player even half as dominant as Martin in his prime, they will be disappointed. But Hoffman brings different skills to the table, and who knows, as a developing player he may become a dominant blocker one day, too. The point is what he brings today is enough because it’s a special quality that’s been lacking from the unit.

Hoffman isn’t Hillary Swank trying to replace Ralph Macchio, he’s a different karate franchise altogether.

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Cowboys’ Zack Martin to have season-ending ankle surgery

From @ToddBrock24f7: The 9x-Pro Bowler suffered an ankle injury in Week 11 and has been out since. Questions will now be raised about a possible retirement.

It’s the end of the season for one of the Cowboys’ all-time greats, and maybe even the end of the line.

Right guard Zack Martin will require surgery to repair the damage from a right ankle injury he suffered in Week 11, according to head coach Mike McCarthy, who made the announcement in his Thursday press conference. The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the team’s 34-10 loss to Houston and had kept Martin sidelined the past two games.

The team had originally hoped Martin could rehab the ankle with a Week 14 return in mind, but his progress did not go as planned and led to this decision, which Martin and the club reached on Wednesday.

Undrafted Brock Hoffman has gotten the start for Martin in both contests of the Cowboys’ current two-game win streak, and he looks to be the primary replacement once again on Monday when Dallas hosts the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.

“He’s gonna be missed. We’re not gonna replace Zack Martin, by no means,” McCarthy told reporters of the nine-time Pro Bowler who was just announced earlier in the day as a nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. “He brings so much to the team, to the team culture. We all recognize what a great player he has been here in Dallas for his whole career, but what he gives us as a person- people gravitate to him and he does a really good job of bringing people together. That offensive line room is really an illustration of his leadership, and he’ll definitely be missed in that area.”

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Both the Nov. 18 injury and Thursday’s announcement immediately raised questions about the future of the 34-year-old, who was the Cowboys’ first-round draft pick out of Notre Dame in 2014 and is now on the final year of his contract. After being absent for just two games over his first six pro seasons, Martin will have missed 16 contests over his last five years by the time the 2024 regular campaign ends.

Micah Parsons inadvertently sparked some retirement whispers for the eleven-year veteran back in early November. After a loss to the Eagles, the Cowboys linebacker said, “I kind of feel bad for guys like Zack Martin and guys who might be on their last year, on their way out. Because that’s who I wanted to hold the trophy for.”

When asked a few days later about playing beyond 2024, Martin himself wasn’t ready to give the topic serious consideration.

“I’m just taking it one week at a time, my guy,” he told reporters.

But now there are no more weeks for the seven-time first-team All-Pro… at least for this season, and maybe for good.

“I think you just have to take a step back and deal with one thing at a time,” McCarthy said Thursday. “That, frankly, was the conversation that Zack and I had. The focus is really about the surgery, what’s next. Those are all questions that will be asked or be thought about.”

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Cowboys nominate Zack Martin for 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

From @ToddBrock24f7: The decorated guard was surprised this week with news that he’ll be the team’s nominee for the league’s most prestigious individual honor.

As a nine-time Pro Bowler and a seven-time first-All-Pro guard, there aren’t may individual accolades left for Zack Martin to win.

But the Cowboys managed to find another line item to add to the 11-year veteran’s résumé, naming him their 2024 nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

The team surprised Martin with the news this week. What started out as a holiday photo shoot with the Martin family sitting around the Christmas tree turned into Zack, wife Morgan, and their three children opening customized jerseys that revealed his nomination for the league’s most prestigious individual honor.

Each of the NFL’s 32 teams nominate one player each season for the award that seeks to recognize commitment to philanthropy and community service as well as excellence on gameday. Among the other nominees this year are Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner, and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Martin, 34, has long been active with organizations like the Salvation Army, the National Medal of Honor Museum, and various causes benefiting first responders, local families in need, and hospitalized children.

A panel of judges that includes Commissioner Roger Goodell, 2023 winner Cameron Heyward, and former NFL players will select this year’s recipient. The announcement will be made at NFL Honors on Feb. 6.

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Quarterback Dak Prescott won the award in 2022. He was the fourth Cowboys player to be so honored, joining tight end Jason Witten (2012), quarterback Troy Aikman (1997), and quarterback Roger Staubach (1978).

Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was last year’s Cowboys nominee.

Martin and the league’s other 31 nominees for this year will wear honorary helmet decals for the remainder of the 2024 season. The winner is traditionally recognized on the field during a pregame ceremony at the Super Bowl; he’ll receive a $250,000 donation in his name to the charity of his choosing and will wear a special uniform patch for the rest of his playing career.

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Commanders-Cowboys inactives: Who’s in, who’s out for Week 12

Which players are in for the Commanders against the Cowboys? And who is out? Inactive list is here.

The Washington Commanders released their inactive list ahead of Sunday’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys and there were no surprises.

All three of Washington’s top offensive tackles are healthy and active. Kicker Austin Seibert is also back after missing the previous two games. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is once again a healthy scratch.

Here is the complete inactive list:

  • CB Emmanuel Forbes
  • CB Marshon Lattimore
  • G Chris Paul
  • QB Jeff Driskel
  • LB Dominique Hampton

Lattimore remains inactive as he recovers from a hamstring. Head coach Dan Quinn said last week he was getting closer to making his Washington debut.

The Cowboys will be without numerous starters for this game. They placed quarterback Dak Prescott on season-ending injured reserve last week. Future Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin, cornerback Trevon Diggs, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, guard Tyler Smith and tight end Jake Ferguson are those out for Dallas. Cooks remains on IR, but was expected to be activated.

Here is Dallas’ complete inactive list:

  • G Zack Martin
  • G Tyler Smith
  • RB Deuce Vaughn
  • CB Trevon Diggs
  • CB Caelen Carson
  • DE Tyrus Wheat
  • TE Jake Ferguson

 

Cowboys receive some good injury news ahead of Week 12 vs. Commanders

The Cowboys will have their top offensive player vs. Commanders.

The Washington Commanders (7-4) are playing the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) at the right time. The Cowboys saw several starters depart the game with injuries after a blowout loss to the Houston Texans on Monday night.

This week’s injury report featured several of Dallas’ best players, including CeeDee Lamb, Zack Martin, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs and others.

Dallas is already without quarterback Dak Prescott for the season. What other starters would miss Sunday’s NFC East showdown vs. Washington?

On Friday, the Cowboys released their final injury report and it did contain some good news. While tight end Jake Ferguson and safety Markquese Bell were ruled out, Lamb, who missed Thursday’s practice, will play Sunday.

Things don’t appear so positive for the future Hall of Famer Martin. Dallas listed him as doubtful with ankle and shoulder injuries. Martin has battled injuries all season.

Diggs, Smith and wide receiver Brandin Cooks are all questionable. Bland and fellow cornerback Jourdan Lewis will play on Sunday, though.

The Cowboys are in the middle of a five-game losing streak and coming off back-to-back blowout losses to Philadelphia and Houston.

 

Cowboys battling numerous injuries ahead of Week 12 vs. Commanders

The Cowboys are dealing with several injuries ahead of Week 12, especially on the offensive line.

It’s been a difficult season for the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has lost five consecutive games entering their Week 12 matchup against the Washington Commanders, and the injuries have started to pile up.

In addition to losing quarterback Dak Prescott for the season after eight games, the Cowboys have gone without top pass-rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence for a combined 10 games this season.

During Monday’s loss to the Houston Texans, the Cowboys lost five more starters throughout the game, including future Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin.

Martin (ankle), tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion), left tackle Tyler Guyton (shoulder), guard Tyler Smith (ankle) and safety Markquese Bell (shoulder) all left Monday’s game and did not return. With a short week, it will be interesting to see how many Cowboys can play against the Commanders.

With a backup quarterback and three ailing starters on the offensive line, the Cowboys could be in trouble against a Washington defense that has played well lately.

Dallas will reveal its first injury report for Week 12 on Wednesday.

Cowboys 9x All-Pro predicted to cut ties with Dallas, join Bears

A look at a likely suitor for Zack Martin if he hits free agency in 2025.

The Dallas Cowboys’ season is spiraling to an inglorious finish. Losers of four consecutive games, Dallas has two top teams coming up on their pre-Thanksgiving schedule. The Houston Texans travel up the highway this Sunday and already are installed as over a touchdown favorites. Behind them is Dan Quinn’s new look Washington Commanders in a road contest.

3-8 could easily be staring the team in the face and that doesn’t bode well for Mike McCarthy and his lame-duck staff. What’s even worse is the lost season could end the 11-year career of nine-time All-Pro Zack Martin.

A surefire Hall of Famer, Martin has spent his entire career in Dallas, but he’s going to hit unrestricted free agency in March; and that’s if he doesn’t retire. Martin’s hinted at it, but that could be a level of frustration with having spent two years in Mike Solari’s failed blocking system. A fresh start could be intriguing and that’s where the latest bold prediction comes in.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently took a look at where the top free agents could land in 2025, and Knox identified two potential suitors for Martin; the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Bears should have a ton of interest in Martin, as their inconsistent offensive line has been a massive challenge this season. Assuming Chicago can re-sign Teven Jenkins, adding Martin would give Chicago a top-tier guard tandem to block for Caleb Williams.

The Chargers may also want to consider Martin as an upgrade over Trey Pipkins III at right guard. Los Angeles has a terrific pair of tackles in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, but the interior line leaves something to be desired.

Knox ranked Martin as the 13th-highest rated free agent for 2025.

Cowboys’ All-Pro OL misses second straight day of practice with injury

From @ToddBrock24f7: Zack Martin was questionable in Week 9. His shoulder and “a couple things” sidelined him Wednesday and Thursday leading into Week 10.

Cowboys guard Zack Martin missed practice on Thursday, marking the second straight DNP day for the nine-time Pro Bowler and perhaps putting his status for this Sunday’s matchup with the Eagles in question.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Martin was not working with the team during the portion of practice that was open to media members.

The 33-year-old has frequently been given Wednesdays off as a veteran’s rest day, but there looks to be more going on with the right guard this week. Earlier in the day, when asked about Martin’s overall performance this season, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that the seven-time first-team All-Pro “has had a couple things he’s been dealing with.”

A shoulder injury had Martin limited for portions of last week. He was listed as questionable for the Week 9 game in Atlanta, but went on to play every offensive snap in the 27-21 loss. So far this season, the Notre Dame product- in the final year of his contract- has played 519 out of 553 offensive snaps, fourth-most on the team.

It’s been a down year, at least by Martin’s usual measure. PFF currently has him ranked 41st among the NFL’s guards with an overall grade of 64.6. His 64.2 pass-block grade puts him in 38th place, while his run-block grade of 60.2 drops him all the way out of the top 50.

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Offensive line play across the board has been spotty this year in Dallas, sharing at least some of the blame for a woeful 82 rushing yards-per-game average that has the team ranked next to last and allowing nearly three sacks per game.

Friday will likely be an important day to determining Martin’s readiness for Week 10 versus Philadelphia. Second-year lineman T.J. Bass is listed on the Cowboys’ official depth chart as Martin’s backup.

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Cowboys predicted to replace 9-time Pro Bowler with this AFC veteran

The Cowboys front office needs to begin thinking about the future at several positions, including RG where Zack Martin could retire or leave the org. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Dallas Cowboys season is not going the way they planned, but the way many predicted. Sitting at 3-5 through what used to be the midpoint of the season, things are looking bleak considering the schedule they will face. Dallas is now without quarterback Dak Prescott for the foreseeable future, and the foreseeable future has them taking on the 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles, 6-3 Houston Texans and 7-2 Washington Commanders over the next three weeks.

So fans who were already disgruntled are becoming apathetic towards the 2024 season and have already started looking ahead. That vision probably needs to include an offensive line without staple Zack Martin, who is a 2025 unrestricted free agent and has already hinted at retirement this past offseason. Recently Bleacher Report tried to predict who could take Martin’s place, and they landed on current Miami Dolphins starter Robert Jones.

While it will be almost impossible to fill a future Hall of Famer’s shoes, the organization should at least be looking into this year’s free-agent class at guard. Jones is a decent option as he’s been solid so far this season, posting a 64.9 grade from Pro Football Focus and allowing just seven pressures heading into this past weekend.

Jones was an undrafted free agent from the 2021 draft class out of Middle Tennessee. He’s 6-foot-4 and weighs 321 pounds. Dallas has a handful of internal candidates as well, most notably T.J. Bass, a 2023 undrafted free agent out of Oregon.

The Cowboys have nine games remaining in their season to see if any additional options emerge.

Could Sunday be this 9-time Pro Bowler’s last in Cowboys uniform as trade deadline approaches?

Trading Zack Martin won’t even save the club $1 million on the cap, but could still be the move by Tuesday.

The Dallas Cowboys may soon be in a position to throw in the towel. There are certainly reinforcements coming, but the injuries have hardly been the only issue with the way the 2024 season has unfolded. A lame-duck approach to the coaching staff that spent the offseason trying to convince their roster to go all out despite star-player contract controversies of various magnitude had a negative impact.

And now sitting at 3-4 and traveling to the NFC South leading Atlanta Falcons for an early kickoff, things could be very dire in very short order. The question would then become, would Dallas become sellers at the trade deadline? And if so, would they offload Zack Martin?

Martin is in the final year of his contract, making just under $100,000 a week in salary after he had his base converted to a bonus to spread cap hit off into the future. The nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time First-Team All-Pro guard has been underwhelming this season and it’s hard to tell which factor is most prevalent in his decline.

Martin is playing next to right tackle Terence Steele who is offering zero in pass protection, and also next to rookie center Cooper Beebe. At 33, decline is inevitable for someone who many consider a first-ballot Hall of Fame candidate, and his offensive line coach of the last two seasons, Mike Solari, does not seem to have his finger on the pulse of how to deploy his troops in the best way.

Any and all of those factors are at play, but the underlying point is Martin is set to hit free agency, and other than nostalgia, there’s zero reason for the Cowboys to not explore getting draft compensation from a team in the hunt and in need.