Zack Martin is out with an injury and his illustrious career with the Cowboys could be over

Dallas Cowboys right guard Zack Martin's season is over after it was confirmed that he will undergo ankle surgery. The injury puts an end not only to his season, but could mark the end of his outstanding NFL career.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the news on Thursday, detailing that Martin not only dealt with ankle problems, but also shoulder and neck injuries during the season.

A Hall of Fame-level career
Drafted in the first round of the 2014 draft out of Notre Dame, Martin immediately became a key piece of the Dallas offensive line. For more than a decade, he was considered one of the best interior linemen in the NFL, being named to nine Pro Bowls and selected as a first-team All-Pro on five occasions.

Although Martin has not yet formally announced his retirement, he had indicated last March that at the end of this season he would evaluate his future in the NFL. He is currently playing in the final guaranteed year of his contract with the Cowboys. Throughout his 10-year career, Martin was a pillar of durability, playing at least 14 games per season, save for 2020 when he suffered a fracture and played in just 10 games.

Cowboys look ahead
In Martin's absence, the team has relied on Brock Hoffman, a second-year player who has taken his place for the previous two games. According to McCarthy, Hoffman has shown good performance on the offensive line.

However, the problems don't end there for Dallas. Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton is also dealing with an ankle injury that puts him in doubt for the upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. If Guyton is unavailable, his place will be taken by Chuma Edoga, who has been working with the first offensive line during workouts this week.

An indelible legacy
If this turns out to be Zack Martin's final season, his legacy in the NFL and with the Cowboys is indisputable. His consistency, leadership and technical excellence position him as a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame in the near future, ensuring that his impact on the sport will endure beyond his time on the field.