As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to open the season against the Bucs, they’ll have to do so without one of their best. Per Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, All-Pro guard Zack Martin will miss the season opener against the Bucs on Thursday. Martin was placed on the COVID-19 list on Sunday after testing positive for the virus.

The Cowboys are just getting starting right tackle La’el Collins back after missing the last week with a neck injury. Meanwhile, starting quarterback Dak Prescott didn’t play a snap during the preseason due to a shoulder injury. Prescott hasn’t seen live game action since the horrific ankle fracture he suffered last October. He will now play in his first game back without his best offensive lineman.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy informed reporters that guard Connor McGovern would start in place of Martin. Drafted by the Cowboys in the third round in 2019, McGovern has started eight games for the team.

The Bucs have two players of their own on the COVID list, including defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and offensive guard Earl Watford. Both players are expected to come off the list on Monday, according to Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians. That would give the duo a great chance of being available for Thursday’s game. Suh’s presence will be a welcome one for the Bucs, as he’ll face McGovern more than any other interior defensive lineman.