Cowboys All-Pro OL Zack Martin could be out for season with calf injury

Dallas Cowboys All-Pro offensive guard Zack Martin may not play again this season. 

The Cowboys confirmed on Monday afternoon that they placed Martin on injured reserve because of a calf injury, meaning he must miss a minimum of three games per an NFL rule. The 30-year-old will be sidelined for upcoming matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers. 

While it's possible Dallas could activate Martin for a divisional showdown versus the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 27, ESPN's Todd Archer reported the Cowboys could shut the veteran down for the remainder of the campaign. 

Dallas will enter Tuesday's contest against the Ravens at 3-8, behind both the Washington Football Team (4-7 before Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers) and New York Giants (5-7) in the NFC East standings. Head coach Mike McCarthy may not risk Martin's long-term health if Dallas is deemed out of playoff contention shortly after Christmas.

According to Archer, Martin first experienced the calf setback on Nov. 16 and exited the loss to Washington on Thanksgiving Day early because of the injury. 

Martin has been named First-Team All-Pro on four occasions and to six Pro Bowl squads since the Cowboys selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.