DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Cowboys owner Jerry Jones isn't ready to rule out All-Pro guard Zack Martin for Thursday night's season opener vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite head coach Mike McCarthy saying Sunday that he won't play after he tested positive for COVID.
Jones initially described Martin's status for the game as "iffy" during his Tuesday morning interview with Shan and RJ on 105.3 The Fan, before expanding on the situation.
"The facts are that we've got a protocol. He'll do the testing that's called for in the protocol. A couple negative tests over the next two (or) three days will have him available (vs Tampa)," Jones said. "It's nothing to compare it to because each individual has its own situation regarding this testing. As you know, we've had people test positive and had false positives. This isn't more than likely the case, but I'm just giving you the reason I can't give you a firm answer."
The Cowboys were informed of Martin's positive test on Saturday. If Martin is vaccinated, which he reportedly is, the league's protocols allow for a fairly quick return following two negative tests taken more than 24 hours apart and if the player isn't experiencing symptoms.
However, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that isn't the case with Martin, as the guard "had symptoms."
Should Martin be unavailable, offensive lineman Connor McGovern would likely get the start in his place.
As for right tackle La'el Collins, who is dealing with a stinger issue, Jones was bullish on his availability for Thursday.
"I think we're gonna have him for the game. I would call this a typical stinger."
Collins was able to return to a full practice on Sunday after he suffered the stinger issue on Aug. 27.
