Jaydon Blue’s Final Shot: Cowboys Rookie Faces Crucial December Stretch
With the Cowboys officially out of the playoff picture, December becomes less about wins and losses and more about evaluation-especially for young players trying to prove they belong. One name to watch closely: rookie running back Jaydon Blue.
Blue’s rookie campaign hasn’t exactly gone to script. In four appearances, he’s logged just 22 touches for 65 rushing yards, averaging 3.0 yards per carry and moving the chains on just over a third of his attempts. It’s been a quiet debut for a player who was once seen as a potential contributor in a backfield that needed fresh legs after Rico Dowdle’s departure.
But make no mistake-the talent is there. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer made that clear when asked about Blue’s chances of seeing the field over the final three games.
“I see flashes from Jaydon all the time. I see that the talent is real,” Schottenheimer said.
“The standard is not always met, just being quite honest and frank with you guys. I’m not saying anything I haven’t said to Jaydon.”
That’s the key phrase: “The standard is not always met.” It’s not about ability-it’s about consistency, preparation, and professionalism. That’s where Blue has fallen short, and that’s what’s kept him on the sidelines since October.
The Cowboys brought in veteran Javonte Williams to steady the backfield, and he’s done exactly that. Williams has been a workhorse, racking up 230 carries for 1,113 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s earned the lion’s share of the workload, leaving little room for a rookie still trying to find his footing.
But with Dallas already eliminated from postseason contention, the final stretch of the season could serve as an extended audition for players like Blue. These next three games are more than just a chance to get snaps-they’re a referendum on whether he’ll be part of the team’s future or just a footnote in a forgettable season.
Schottenheimer didn’t rule out the possibility of Blue getting that shot-he just made it clear that nothing will be handed to him.
“If he earns the right to do it, absolutely,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s no different than the other guys... But if he keeps working and continues to do a great job in his preparation and all that, then of course he can earn the right to play.”
So here we are. Three games left.
No playoff hopes. And a rookie running back with a limited window to change the narrative.
The tools are there. The flashes are real.
Now it’s about putting it all together-day in, day out-and showing the Cowboys that he’s more than just potential.
For Jaydon Blue, December isn’t just the end of a season. It might be the beginning-or the end-of his time in Dallas.