The Dallas Cowboys have been dealt their fair share of injuries so far this season. They’re only three games in and have already played games without Michael Gallup, Xavier Woods, Tyrone Crawford, and Antwaun Woods for example.

Managing injuries can be a tricky thing in the NFL. Everybody remembers “Romo Wednesdays” when the quarterback famously got the day off in order to preserve his body for the upcoming game. Sometimes that extra day can make all the difference in the world.

There’s no need to panic, but Cowboys guard Zack Martin was not at practice on Thursday. Remember that he’s dealing with a back issue.

Zack Martin missing practice today. He’s been dealing with an irritated disk in his back. — Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) September 26, 2019

Martin missed time for the first time ever in his NFL career last season. He’s perhaps the best guard in the NFL and the physical work that’s associated with his job obviously takes its toll. While it’s not ideal to have him missing practice if an extra day off will help him he should certainly take it.

Amari Cooper was suited up and participating in practice on Thursday, but Zack Martin was not.



Martin has been limited at times to help him manage a back injury, but this is the first time he has missed a regular season practice. Something to keep an eye on. — David Helman (@HelmanDC) September 26, 2019

For now this does seem precautionary, but just be aware that it’s a thing. The fact that it is one is obviously not great, but it could be much worse.