FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, in the department of injury and illness, just took one step forward … and one step back.
The Cowboys will play at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night in the NFL opener without the services of All-Pro guard Zack Martin, who the team says has tested positive for COVID.
Martin will now miss the Week 1 game against the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers.
If Martin is vaccinated, as is the case with over 90 percent of the Cowboys roster, he is eligible for a fairly quick return following two negative tests taken more than 24 hours apart. If he’s not, he will miss 10 days, minimum.
Meanwhile, guard Brandon Knight also has entered the protocol because he was identified as a close contact with Martin. Also, right guard La’el Collins is returning to practice today for the first time in a week while battling a stinger issue. And left guard Connor Williams is returning from COVID protocol.
On Thursday the Cowboys will likely start Connor McGovern out right guard next to Collins well they await the return of Martin.