A lifelong Cowboy, Martin has opted to call it quits after 11 seasons. Few guards in NFL history have done it better than Martin, whose seven First-Team All-Pros are tied for 14th most in NFL history. Every player with seven or more All-Pro nominations is in the Hall of Fame, with the exception of the Rams’ Aaron Donald, who is likely to be a first-ballot nominee once eligible. Martin is a near-lock for Canton once eligible. Drafted with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Martin started all 162 games he appeared in during his career and appeared in 15 or more games in all but three seasons. Martin suffered an ankle injury in Week 11 that was later determined to require season-ending surgery. His absence will create a gaping hole on the right side of the Cowboys’ line, but could be addressed by plugging in T.J. Bass, who remains under contract for next season and played 315 snaps at both guard positions last season. Still, it’s possible Martin’s retirement creates yet another need the Cowboys will need to address this offseason, in addition to finding a running back and securing key players to long-term deals.

The seven-time All-Pro guard hasn’t played since suffering his ankle injury in Week 11 against the Texans. Now, after missing two straight games and with the Cowboys having little to play for, Martin has opted for season-ending surgery to correct the issue. Martin played on 638 offensive snaps this season and earned a PFF offensive grade of 65.6. The 34-year-old lineman is in the final year of his contract, and a return to Dallas could prove complicated with the Cowboys still needing to address a long-term contract with Micah Parsons.

Martin is not expected to suit up and LG Tyler Smith (ankle/knee) is questionable to play, leaving Cooper Rush far more vulnerable to the Commanders’ interior pass rush. Hopefully, Rush is able to get the ball out quickly, keeping CeeDee Lamb’s WR1 prospects intact.

Martin was initially expected to play in Sunday’s contest against the Commanders but was ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff. In addition to Martin, the Cowboys will also be without OG Tyler Smith, who is dealing with a foot injury. The Cowboys will count on a few backups along the offensive line to lead them to a win over a flailing Commanders defense. The Cowboys also ruled out S Sheldrick Redwine, CB Noah Igbinoghene, CB Eric Scott, DL Junior Fehoko, and QB Trey Lance.