Cowboys' Martin to miss opener after testing positive for COVID-19

Guard Zack Martin will miss the Dallas Cowboys' regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after testing positive for COVID-19, head coach Mike McCarthy announced Sunday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"He's frustrated, but this is the world we live in," McCarthy told reporters, including The Athletic's Jon Machota.

Offensive lineman Brandon Knight will also miss practice after being labeled a close contact.

The Cowboys will start Connor McGovern at right guard in Martin's place. The third-round pick in 2019 started eight games last season.

He'll definitely be ready for this opportunity," McCarthy added, according to the Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken. "I like the way Connor goes about his business."

With Martin sidelined, Dallas will need to keep Dak Prescott upright without one of its top linemen. Prescott didn't play in the preseason due to a shoulder strain, but McCarthy said on Friday the signal-caller will be ready for the team's opener.

Martin, who's a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro, has made 104 starts for the Cowboys since becoming a first-round pick in 2014.

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