Thanksgiving Day holds special significance for the Dallas Cowboys, a team synonymous with the holiday’s NFL tradition.
This year, as the Cowboys prepare to face NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, they’ll do so under challenging circumstances. Cooper Rush, now leading the team’s offense, will be without a key player—veteran guard Zack Martin—making an already difficult season even more complicated.
The 2024 NFL season has tested the Cowboys from the outset. Expectations were high, but early struggles on both offense and defense led to a series of disappointing losses. The challenges mounted when starting quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, forcing the team to turn to backup Cooper Rush.
Rush has proven to be a capable leader in Prescott’s absence. Last week, he delivered a standout performance in a critical win over the Washington Commanders, rekindling hopes for a late-season playoff push. However, the upcoming Thanksgiving matchup against the Giants presents a new challenge: Rush will be without one of his most reliable protectors, Zack Martin.
The Cowboys confirmed that Martin will miss the Thanksgiving game due to lingering ankle and shoulder injuries. The All-Pro guard has been sidelined since Week 11, and his absence will be felt acutely as Dallas faces a Giants team eager to spoil the holiday for their division rivals.
Zack Martin’s presence on the offensive line has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ success for nearly a decade. A nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro, Martin is widely regarded as one of the best guards in NFL history. His ability to anchor the line and provide both pass protection and run blocking has been critical to the Cowboys’ offensive identity.
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Martin’s absence not only impacts the Cowboys’ ability to protect Rush but also hinders their run game, which has struggled to find consistency this season. With Martin out, Dallas will rely on a reshuffled offensive line to hold off the Giants’ defensive front, a task that could determine the outcome of the game.
The 2024 season has been a difficult one for Martin personally as well. He has battled injuries and faced contract disputes with the Cowboys in recent years. Although he signed an extension that keeps him in Dallas through 2025, questions about his long-term future with the team are beginning to surface.
At 35 years old by the end of the 2025 season, Martin’s potential retirement is a topic of speculation among analysts and fans alike. While some believe he could sign another extension, others view the current contract as a potential swan song for the future Hall of Famer.
For many, Martin’s career achievements make him a lock for first-ballot Hall of Fame induction. His accolades speak for themselves: nine Pro Bowl selections, seven All-Pro honors, and a reputation as one of the most dominant guards of his era. Yet, the final chapters of his career may hinge on his ability to stay healthy and contribute at a high level.
As the Cowboys take the field on Thanksgiving without Martin, the focus will be on how well Cooper Rush can manage the offense under increased pressure. The Giants, too, are facing their own quarterback challenges, making this matchup a test of depth and resilience for both teams.
Despite the adversity, the Cowboys remain in the playoff hunt, and a victory over the Giants could provide a much-needed boost heading into the final stretch of the season. For Rush, it’s another opportunity to prove himself as a capable leader. For Martin, it’s a reminder of the challenges that come with sustaining a long and successful NFL career.
Thanksgiving Day will look different for the Cowboys this year, but the stakes remain high. With Cooper Rush under center and Zack Martin watching from the sidelines, Dallas must find a way to overcome adversity and keep their playoff hopes alive.
