Jaydon Blue’s Role with the Cowboys Has All But Disappeared - Here’s Why
Back in training camp, Jaydon Blue looked like a rising star in the making. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Texas was turning heads with his burst, agility, and playmaking instincts. Every day seemed to bring another highlight, and it felt like he was carving out a real role in Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams’ offense.
At the same time, there were more than a few raised eyebrows when Javonte Williams was essentially handed the starting job. The Cowboys didn’t play him a single snap in the preseason - a clear signal that they saw him as their lead back.
That $1.5 million investment? It spoke volumes.
Fast forward to December, and it’s clear the coaching staff had the right read. Williams has settled in as the starter, and the early buzz around Blue has faded - quickly and completely. In fact, the rookie hasn’t seen the field since Week 8 against Denver, and with Israel Abanikanda now in the fold on the practice squad, it’s hard to see a path back to playing time for Blue this season.
What Happened to Jaydon Blue?
Let’s be clear: Blue might still be the most explosive back on the Cowboys’ roster. His top-end speed and home-run potential are real. But in the NFL, talent alone doesn’t guarantee playing time - especially not in an offense that demands trust, consistency, and versatility from its backs.
If Schottenheimer and Adams believed Blue was ready to contribute, he’d be out there. Instead, he’s been inactive for over a month, and the Cowboys have leaned heavily on Malik Davis to fill the RB2 role behind Williams.
Davis, a former undrafted free agent who’s been waived multiple times by Dallas, has made the most of his opportunity. Since the team’s bye week, he’s looked like he was shot out of a cannon - racking up 91 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries. That’s 9.1 yards per touch, and more importantly, he’s brought value in areas where Blue hasn’t.
Special Teams and Trust: The Deciding Factors
One of the biggest reasons Davis has climbed the depth chart is his impact on special teams - something that’s often the deciding factor for role players and backups. After his touchdown run against Kansas City, Davis turned around and made a tackle on the ensuing kickoff.
That kind of hustle and versatility matters. A lot.
According to Pro Football Focus, Davis has logged 106 special teams snaps this season, including 53 in just the last three games. That’s a clear sign of trust from the coaching staff. Blue, by comparison, played just nine special teams snaps before falling out of the rotation - all of them on kickoff returns, none on coverage.
And then there’s pass protection. Blue hasn’t shown enough in that area to earn the staff’s confidence - a non-negotiable when you’re sharing a backfield with Dak Prescott.
Davis, while not elite in protection, has at least been serviceable. That matters when you’re trying to keep your franchise quarterback upright.
The Road Ahead
The addition of Israel Abanikanda only further clouds Blue’s outlook. Abanikanda fits the mold of the type of back Schottenheimer tends to favor - physical, decisive, and capable of contributing right away on special teams. If the Cowboys decide to carry three running backs on game day, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Abanikanda get the nod over Blue.
Right now, Blue’s stock is at its lowest. He’s not contributing on special teams, he hasn’t earned snaps on offense, and he’s not trusted in pass pro. Meanwhile, Davis is averaging 7.5 yards per carry and doing all the little things that keep a player on the active roster.
Unless something changes drastically, don’t expect to see Jaydon Blue suit up again this season. The talent is there - that much hasn’t changed - but in the NFL, it takes more than talent to stay on the field.