Dallas Cowboys: Breaking down the latest on Zack Martin out for Week 1
Unfortunately for the Dallas Cowboys, they were hit with some frustrating news. Starting offensive guard Zack Martin has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been played on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
This couldn’t have come at a worse time as the Cowboys are just days away from their Week 1 season-opening matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Things are also uncertain with another member of the Cowboys’ offensive line, La’el Collins, who might also miss Week 1 due to a neck injury. It won’t be easy to take on the defending Super Bowl championships as these are two pretty big blows to the Cowboys’ offensive line.
The news was confirmed by Jonny Auping of DallasCowboys.com as Martin will officially be out for Week 1. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy already has a backup plan, here’s what he had to say about Martin being out:
"“He’s frustrated, obviously, but this is the world that we live in. We will continue to work the combinations, but Connor McGovern will take the majority of the reps at right guard.”"
Zack Martin will miss Week 1 matchup against Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In the grand scheme of things, even though it’s a shame Martin won’t be playing in Week 1, the Cowboys will go with that “next man up” mentality as they wait and see when he’ll be able to officially return. McCarthy is right in that these things can and will happen not just on the Cowboys but all across the NFL as the world continues to deal with COVID-19.
All the Cowboys can do now is continue moving forward with the task at hand and prepare for what will be quite the test against the Buccaneers. Everyone from Osa Odighizuwa to McCarthy has chimed their thoughts on facing quarterback Tom Brady and company but now, the Cowboys’ offense is a little bit weaker without Martin holding down the fort on their offensive line.
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Football is won and lost in the battle of the trenches and well, here’s to hoping that McGovern can step right in and not miss a beat. The Cowboys are going to need him and then some if they’re to make a statement to the football world and beat the Buccaneers on the road to start the new season off with a win.