Mike McCarthy announces ailing lineman Zach Martin, Tyler Biadasz are 'definitely making a lot of progress'
After missing All-Pro linemen Zack Martin, Tyler Biadasz and Tyron Smith on Sunday in the loss against the Cardinals, the Dallas Cowboys appear to have some good news on the injury front. Head coach Mike McCarthy provided an update on the trio’s status on Friday for the game against the Patriots on Sunday afternoon.
On a positive note, McCarthy said that Martin and Biadasz are “definitely making a lot of progress.” They both practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday.
However, as for left tackle Tyron Smith, the veteran still did not practice on Thursday. The plan is for Smith to work with the rehab group on Friday. Despite minimal work this week, he could still play.
Martin is dealing with an ankle injury that saw him exit the Week 2 win over the Jets before the end of the fourth quarter.
“I’m feeling a lot better and I’m doing everything I can to be out there on Sunday, and to be available,” Martin said after Thursday’s practice.
Meanwhile, Smith was a late addition to the injury report and though he warmed up on Sunday, he ended up watching the loss from the sidelines.
Center Tyler Biadasz suffered a hamstring injury that required an MRI on the same day the team lost Trevon Diggs to an ACL tear.
Cowboys dealing with OL injuries ahead of Week 4
With the Patriots coming to AT&T Stadium in just a couple of days, the biggest concern for the now 2-1 squad is whether the offensive line can finally put the best five on the field.
Missing three of the five starting linemen on Sunday, the line allowed two sacks on quarterback Dak Prescott. It also gave up five tackles for loss.
The Cowboys had undrafted rookie TJ Bass, undrafted rookie Brock Hoffman, and free agent pickup Chuma Edoga in as the replacements for Martin, Biadasz and Smith last weekend. If any of the three are once again unavailable, Dallas is likely to plug the holes in a similar fashion.
“I think they did a nice job — T.J., Brock and Chuma all stepped up,” Martin offered on his teammates on Thursday. “Chuma has been out there this season in different spots, and Brock and T.J. got their real test. I think they stepped up to the plate and did some really nice things for us.”
After rest days on Wednesday for CeeDee Lamb and DeMarcus Lawrence, the wideout and edge rusher both return to practice on Thursday.