ARLINGTON, Texas _ Considering it was just the second preseason game with the starters playing a little more than a quarter, the most significant thing from the Dallas Cowboys' 21-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium on Saturday was the potential loss of the All-Pro guard Zack Martin to a knee injury.
The Cowboys led 10-0 halftime before blowing the game with the backups on the field for the second straight week. Their 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason opener came after they coughed up a 21-10 lead in the fourth quarter.
But again, the biggest concern was the health of Martin.
Martin went down early in the second quarter following a seven-yard run by Rod Smith. It appeared a helmet hit his left knee. After limping off the field, Martin spent time in the medical tent before heading to the locker room.
The Cowboys had no immediate updates regarding his status.
But it should be a seen a positive sign that he returned to the sideline in street clothes before the end of the game.
A loss of Martin for any significant time would be a huge setback for the Cowboys. He is the best lineman on the team and the best guard in the league, who recently signed a six-year contract extension for $84 million, making him the highest paid guard in the league and highest player on the Cowboys.
Kadeem Edwards replaced Martin Saturday night. Marcus Martin, signed in free agency to be the backup guard, was lost for the season in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers with torn ligaments in his big toe.
Martin's injury comes on top of concerns for Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick, who sat out the Bengals game because of stingers in his neck. It is unknown when Frederick will return to practice. He got a second opinion last week from noted spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.
