Cowboys’ Zack Martin, arguably one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, will miss the team’s opener after testing positive for COVID-19, ahead of Thursday’s matchup with Tampa Bay Buccaneers. League rules dictate that a vaccinated player is allowed to return within five days, while an unvaccinated player is out for a mandatory 10 days. Martin is vaccinated.
“He’s frustrated obviously,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “But hey, this is the world we live in right now.”
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The Bucs’ defense ranked as one of the best in the league, last season, so the offensive line will have a tough game cut out for them.
“Zack’s our best player on our offense. I mean most runs, they coming back behind him,” running back Ezekiel Elliott said. “It’s disappointing but you can’t harp on it, can’t let it be more than what it is. I mean, definitely going to miss him, definitely wish he was out there, but we still have a game to go play and we got to try and get the job done.”
Connor McGovern will likely start at right guard in Martin’s place.
The season-opener between the Cowboys and Buccaneers will kick off Thursday, at 8:20 PM, ET.
[Via]