The Cowboys suffered a major blow to their offense on Sunday when coach Mike McCarthy introduced four-time All-Professional guard Zack Martin had examined constructive for COVID-19. He might be inactive for Dallas’ Thursday recreation in opposition to defending Tremendous Bowl champion Tampa Bay.
McCarthy mentioned third-year lineman Connor McGovern, the Cowboys’ third-round choose within the 2019 NFL Draft, will change Martin at proper guard. He added that Martin, whose vaccination standing is unsure, was “pissed off, clearly, however that is the world we reside in.”
Shortly after McCarthy’s announcement, Dallas introduced Martin had been positioned on the reserve/COVID-19 listing:
Zack Martin positioned on COVID-19 reserve listing.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 5, 2021
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McCarthy additionally introduced proper deal with La’el Collins (neck stinger) will return to apply on Sunday. Offensive lineman Brandon Knight can also be on the reserve/COVID-19 listing after being deemed an in depth contact of Martin’s.
The latter’s loss throughout the offensive entrance would not bode effectively for the Cowboys, particularly contemplating Dak Prescott will play his first significant soccer since struggling a compound fracture and dislocating his ankle in final 12 months’s Week 5 matchup vs. the Giants. Prescott mentioned he might be 100% wholesome when he takes the sphere, referencing each his ankle and latissimus pressure.
The Bucs return 37 sacks, 62 tackles for loss and 91 quarterback hits from seven starters amongst its entrance seven from final 12 months’s staff. That does not embrace defensive lineman Vita Vea, who solely performed 5 video games in from the 2020 common season earlier than returning for the 2021 NFC Championship recreation and Tremendous Bowl.
Bucs defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is presently on Tampa Bay’s reserve listing, however might return in time to play the Cowboys on Thursday.
