If the Cowboys want to contend with New York Jets Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams on Sunday, guards Zack Martin and Tyler Smith are essential.
Neither practiced on Thursday with Martin a surprise addition to the injury report due to a groin injury. He was officially listed as a limited practice participant as was Smith, who is still fighting off a hamstring injury.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday that Smith is getting better. Martin's inclusion on the injury report wasn't known at the time McCarthy was made available to the media.
Martin missed training camp in a contract squabble with the Cowboys. He made his 138th start with the franchise last week.
Martin, 32, is a six-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection in his 10th season.
Williams, 25, earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022 with 12 sacks and 28 quarterback hits in 16 starts before signing a four-year contract worth a reported $96 million.
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