‘Zero concerns’: McCarthy not worried about Cowboys RG Zack Martin’s readiness

The Cowboys have been in Oxnard for just over a week. Thursday’s practice- the longest yet of this year’s training camp- was to be the team’s third session with pads and an important building block in the foundation that the team is trying to lay with a new offensive play-caller, several new members of the coaching staff, and new players up and down the roster.

But despite the cornerstone of the offensive line entering the 10th day of his contract holdout, head coach Mike McCarthy maintains he’s not worried about Zack Martin’s absence.

“I have zero concerns about Zack,” McCarthy told reporters during a press conference Thursday. “Everything that we’re doing here now, Zack already has. Zack will be just fine.”

The six-time first-team All-Pro has elected not to join the team in Oxnard as of yet, unhappy with where he sits on the pay scale relative to the other top offensive guards around the league.

The 32-year-old is staying busy and keeping himself in shape, though. A video shared recently on social media by OL Masterminds shows Martin working out with the organization’s Duke Manyweather in Texas.

And second-year lineman Tyler Smith revealed to media members that Martin is in regular contact with his linemates via text. His message to the group?

“Y’all set the tone, I’ll be there soon.”

Mike Solari, the veteran offensive line coach entering his first year in that role for the Cowboys would certainly prefer to have Martin in his usual spot, but he’s making the best of the situation by giving younger players valuable practice reps.

“We want Zack here, but it’s part of the business,” Solari said per the team website. “It gives another man an opportunity to get reps in practice and develop. They’re all competing and working hard. The best five will start, and they’ll define that role. It’s a good group.”

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Josh Ball, the 2021 fourth-round draft pick, and Matt Farniok, a seventh-rounder from that same rookie class, have seen time at right guard in place of Martin. And while their continued development at camp is a good thing, no one- especially quarterback Dak Prescott- wants either of them to have to line up on Sept. 10 when the Cowboys face the Giants to open the regular season.

Like McCarthy, Prescott should have no real concerns about Martin being ready for Week 1 whenever he and the front office settle their staring contest.

But No. 4 was succinct when he was asked about getting his most valuable protector back in the huddle.

“Pay the man.”

Story originally appeared on Cowboys Wire