Zack Martin ruled out for remainder of Cowboys vs. Washington game

Zack Martin, the All-Pro O-Lineman, was injured on the first Cowboys series.

The Dallas Cowboys’ injury problems continued on the opening drive of their Thanksgiving game with the Washington Football Team as All-Pro offensive lineman Zack Martin left the game hurt.

Dallas has been beset by injuries up front in 2020, with Tyron Smith, La’el Collins and Tyler Biadasz all on injured reserve.

And the Cowboys were dealt further blows in that regard on their first series against Washington as both Dallas tackles went down.

Left tackle Cam Erving sustained a knee injury before Martin, a four-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler at guard operating at right tackle, was helped off the field following a third-down play on which he was hurt while pass protecting under pressure from Washington defensive end Ryan Kerrigan.

The specific nature of Martin’s injury was not revealed but he was ruled out for the remainder of the game in a significant blow to Dallas’ hopes of victory despite the Cowboys ending the drive with a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

Washington quickly responded with a touchdown run by Antonio Gibson and the injuries to both Martin and Erving served as a dent to their prospects of keeping an extremely talented Washington defensive line brimming with first-round picks — including Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite Chase Young — at bay.

Looking longer-term, an offensive line missing Martin’s considerable talents and perhaps those of Erving will have a much more difficult time keeping Andy Dalton upright regardless of the level of opposition on the opposing side of the trenches.

Even with Dak Prescott on the shelf for the rest of the season, the Cowboys are in the mix in an NFC East division that is the worst in the NFL. But, if they are forced to be without reliable options on the O-Line for the remainder of the campaign, then the Cowboys should soon start thinking about planning for 2021.