Zack Martin in concussion protocol as Cowboys’ OL lies in rubble

Life comes at you fast. When the frustrating 2019 season came to an end, there was plenty of reason for optimism for the Dallas Cowboys. A lot of that centered around the offensive line. After a year away, center Travis Frederick had returned to play a full season following an immune system disease. La’el Collins had emerged to the point there was a legit conversation on who was the better tackle between he and seven-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith. Zack Martin had just made his sixth straight All-Pro team. 2020 was shaping up to be a tremendous year for the Cowboys OL.

Fast forward to the end of Week 6 2020 and this is not what anyone had in mind. The offensive line is in shambles and the bottom fell out during the club’s 38-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals when Martin was lost for the game due to a concussion.

Back in 2015, I routinely said that the transformation of the Cowboys offensive line could be captured in an easy sentiment. If Doug Free is your team’s best offensive lineman; you’re in a lot of trouble. But if Doug Free is your team’s worst offensive lineman, you’ve got a great group of guys. Now, that guy is Connor Williams.

Smith and Collins are done for the year. Frederick retired back in March. After Martin’s departure, the Cowboys were playing 2019 UDFA Brandon Knight at left tackle and Williams at left guard. Fourth-round rookie Tyler Biadasz was in at center, playing for veteran Joe Looney who is also out hurt. 2019 third-round pick Connor McGovern – who had played just two snaps on the OL last week – came in for Martin and played next to 2020 UDFA Terence Steele.

To make matters worse tight end Blake Jarwin, who has blocking responsibilities too, was lost for the year in Week 1 to an ACL injury.

The line, of course, was a problem on Monday night. QB Andy Dalton was endlessly harassed all night, and the offense struggled to have any downfield plays develop.

Dallas is also without free agent signing Cam Erving, who was supposed to be the swing tackle. The club hoped to activate him from IR, but he got sick prior to the game.Wyatt Miller and Mitch Hyatt were in the mix during training camp, but injuries ended their season.

The Cowboys’ offensive line is in absolute shambles going into Week 7.

Like this article?

Sign up for the Cowboys Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Cowboys Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.