All-Pro Zack Martin’s season-ending ankle surgery puts his football future in doubt

“Zack is going to have season-ending surgery on his ankle,” McCarthy said Thursday. “We started off a couple of weeks ago, we felt with the two weeks prior to Cincinnati, we felt this was a good path for him to try to get back for the Cincinnati game. But as he went through the protocol and the planning, Friday, things didn’t look quite as good as we hoped, then there were some more studies and a conversation that went on yesterday. Everybody involved thought it was best for him to get the surgery. There was hope still Friday. Britt with the rehab process, goal was back for Cincinnati. Monday, Tuesday, it looked like it was going in a different direction.”

Martin’s seven first-team All-Pro selections are tied for the most in NFL history among offensive guards with Hall of Famers Randall McDaniel and John Hannah, is in the final year of his contract in 2024, his 11th NFL season. He turned 34-years-old Nov. 20, so it’s natural to wonder if this season is his last. His on-field production has been nothing short of excellent. Martin is a nine-time Pro Bowler who has the fewer career holding penalties (six) as he does first-team All-Pro selections (seven). “Clearly a Hall of Famer,” McCarthy said of Martin. “Not only for the way he plays but just first class. He just commands a lot of respect. Same person, personality every single day. Hard working. True team guy. Puts the team first. He’s been a joy to work with and I can’t say enough great things about him.”