Zack Martin injury update: Jerry Jones addresses Cowboys OL's career after ankle surgery

Dallas Cowboys (5-7) right guard Zack Martin will soon undergo season-ending ankle surgery, and the big question is whether the injury is career-ending.

That question hovered over the 34-year-old even before the injury. For now, the idea of the injury being it for Martin’s Hall of Fame career isn’t on team owner Jerry Jones’ mind, he said Friday while speaking with 105.3 The Fan.

“This shouldn’t be viewed as an end to his playing [career] at all. … It should be viewed as the remainder of this season, and only that,” Jones said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic.

Martin has been as consistent as they come in the trenches since entering the league in 2014 as the Cowboys’ first round selection out of Notre Dame. Outside of 2020, in which Martin suited up in just 10 games, he has been a Pro Bowler in every other season. Martin has earned First-Team All-Pro honors in seven seasons. Only 13 players in NFL history have more First-Team All-Pro selections than Martin.

Zack Martin addresses potential retirement after season-ending ankle surgery

The 2024 season was a struggle. Martin graded out the worst in his career, per Pro Football Focus (65.6 grade). Injuries have played a role, as in addition to the ankle, Martin has been dealing with back and shoulder ailments.

Martin will at some point be forced to make a decision on his NFL future. Now is not the time, he said Thursday.

“This is not the time to have those discussions. And this is kind of all I’ll say about that,” Martin said. “It’s a tough situation and the most important thing on my mind is getting healthy and then having those conversations down the road. First and foremost, I want to get healthy and maybe those conversations are a little bit easier.

“… We’ll see what the future holds.”