Cowboys' Zack Martin Tests Positive For COVID, Out For Opener Against Bucs

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The Dallas Cowboys will be without Zack Martin for Thursday's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he tested positive for COVID-19.

Martin, who is vaccinated, will not be cleared in time to play due to the return-to-play protocols.

The six-time Pro Bowl right guard landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reports he is the first player this season to be ruled out of a game after testing positive for COVID.

According to the return-to-play protocols, a fully vaccinated player can return to play in five days if he does not have symptoms following two negative tests separated by 24 hours. An unvaccinated player faces at least a 10-day quarantine.

"He's frustrated obviously," coach Mike McCarthy said, per ESPN. "But, hey, this is the world we live in right now."

ESPN reports the loss of Martin is a huge blow for an offense that did not take a snap together in the preseason.

The Cowboys held out quarterback Dak Prescott because of a shoulder strain and will face a Buccaneers' run defense that was the best in the NFL last season.