The Cowboys hit the road on Sunday and looked like an unfamiliar group in a 31-10 shellacking at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. A bad road performance is something we've seen from the team and something Dallas has recovered from this season.
But the news gets worse.
Right guard Zack Martin went down in the game and was unable to return with what was later described as a quad injury. How bad is it and will he miss time?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't think it's a huge issue but thinks they'll have to monitor it.
"I know what a quad bruise is. We'll see how he gets his strength there," Jones told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. "A bruise does two things there: not only are they painful to work with, but they can also take the strength out of that area, too. So, got to get that back."
That supports the words of Martin himself, who said after the game, "I'm hoping this week, treat it and get it ready to go on Sunday. I feel good about that."
The team is expected to hold a walkthrough on Wednesday and have a full practice on Thursday ahead of another road matchup against an AFC East team, this time in Miami.
If Martin is unable to go against the Dolphins on Sunday, the team will turn to undrafted rookie T.J. Bass. Bass filled in for Martin in Buffalo and offensive coordinator Brian Shottenheimer lauded his effort.
"He did a nice job [against Buffalo]," Jerry said. [Bass] battled. That's kind of what he has done all year long."
The best-case scenario is for Martin to play. In his absence, the Cowboys gained a season-low 195 total yards against the Bills.
The task won't be any easier on Sunday as the Dallas offense will face a Dolphins run defense that ranks. No. 4 in the NFL allowing just 90.4 yards per game, and a passing defense that ranks No. 10 allowing just 203.1 yards per contest.
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