FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium on Monday night with the hope that an 11-day break between games might lead to a cleaner and shorter injury report.

But as of Thursday? Not so much.

Obviously, the day’s headliner here inside The Star is guard Zach Martin, who is to undergo season-ending ankle surgery. He is of course on the day’s lengthy injury report – and that’s a problem for the rest of the year.

A problem beyond that? Riding a two-game winning streak, Dallas aims to maintain momentum in their playoff push despite sitting at 5-7 … but injuries do keep the challenge for the Cowboys high.

Dallas is seen as an underdog against 4-8 Cincy, and maybe injuries are a reason why.

They will not get help from the future Hall of Fame guard, as on Thursday head coach, Mike McCarthy announced here inside The Star that the iconic perennial Pro Bowler Martin will undergo season-ending ankle surgery.

Beyond that? As a result of the Thursday workout, Diggs and Lamb also earn headlines.

Cornerback Diggs has been sidelined with groin and knee issues, leaving a significant gap in the secondary. … and he was limited. Dallas ranks No. 13 in passing defense, allowing an average of 212.1 yards per game, while Joe Burrow-led Cincinnati tops the league with 264.3 passing yards per contest. That’s a stat problem.

Receiver Lamb continues to battle a shoulder ailment and he was a DNP on this day.

Whatever Dallas is able to accomplish on defense and on offense … They will now have to do it without one of the greatest players in franchise history in Zack Martin. And against the Bengals? They hope to be able to do it with the help of CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs.