FRISCO (Texas) -- Zack Martin, the Dallas Cowboys' six-time Pro Bowl right tackle, has been diagnosed with coronavirus. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 roster.
Martin will not be cleared to play due to the return-to–play protocols. If a player is fully vaccinated, he can return to play within five days provided he doesn't have any symptoms after two negative tests that were separated by 24 hours. Unvaccinated players will be placed in a minimum 10-day quarantine.
Mike McCarthy, coach, said that he was clearly frustrated. "But, hey. This is the world that we live in right now."
Martin's departure is a major blow to an offense that didn't take a snap together in preseason -- Dak Prescott was held out by the Cowboys because of a shoulder strain -- but will now face a Buccaneers defense that was among the best in the NFL.
The projected starting offensive line, which includes Tyron Smith, Connor Williams and Tyler Biadasz as well as Martin, Martin, and La'el Collins, played only three series in four preseason matches.
Connor McGovern would take over as right guard after Martin was out. He played in eight games last season, six of which were when Martin was injured. Collins is currently battling a stinger issue, but will be back in practice Sunday. Williams has also been out of practice for the past two weeks due to a COVID-19 stint.
Brandon Knight, a backup offensive lineman, has been designated as a high risk close contact and has been added to the list. Wide receiver Noah Brown is still on the list.
Eight Cowboys players have been added to the COVID-19 roster so far. This is more than last season's six-player team that missed seven games.
McCarthy stated that although I can't generalize all symptoms, some were more like a common cold. I think the guys did a fantastic job. They come in whenever they feel it, regardless of when they are. The [trainers] Jim Mauer and Britt Brown have done a fantastic job keeping track of it. We get tested as soon as someone feels something.
The Star practice facility was ready for players after they had completed a testing period on Sunday morning. After practice, they will hold virtual meetings. This will also be the Monday routine.
McCarthy stated that "the numbers are up in society, so we understand what to do." McCarthy added, "and we're more rehearsed with the protocols and adjustments, like we made an adjustment today with team, it was pretty seamless."
