Jaydon Blue’s Cowboys Role Evaporates After Early Hype

The Dallas Cowboys drafted running back Jaydon Blue in the fifth round this year. He generated major buzz during training camp with explosive plays. That hype has now completely faded as the regular season concludes.

Blue has not played a single snap since the team’s Week 8 loss in Denver. The recent signing of Israel Abanikanda to the practice squad signals the coaching staff’s continued lack of faith in the rookie.

Malik Davis Secures Backup Role Over Promising Rookie

Despite Blue’s athletic potential, the coaching staff has not trusted him in games. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer values reliability in pass protection and special teams. Blue has not shown enough in those areas to earn active roster spots.

Instead, veteran Malik Davis has seized the RB2 role behind starter Javonte Williams. According to Pro Football Focus, Davis has been effective, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. He has also become a core special teams contributor, playing over 100 snaps there this season.

Davis’s all-around play has made him indispensable. Blue, meanwhile, only played nine special teams snaps early in the year. His role has completely vanished as the Cowboys prioritize trusted veterans for the playoff push.

Long-Term Roster Spot Now in Serious Jeopardy

The situation raises serious questions about Blue’s future with the team. A rookie failing to contribute often struggles to find a role in subsequent seasons. The addition of Abanikanda provides direct competition for the future.

This shows a significant evaluation miss during the preseason. Exciting training camp performances do not always translate to regular-season trust. The coaches clearly saw something lacking that has kept Blue off the field.

For the remainder of the season, Blue is expected to remain inactive. The Cowboys will lean on Williams and Davis, with Abanikanda as a potential practice squad elevation. Blue’s path back to relevance next summer will be steep.

Jaydon Blue’s rookie season appears to be over before it ever really started. His absence from the lineup highlights the stark difference between camp potential and regular-season trust for the Dallas Cowboys.

Thought you’d like to know

Why isn’t Jaydon Blue playing for the Cowboys?

He has not earned the coaching staff’s trust, particularly in pass protection and on special teams. The team prefers the more reliable and versatile Malik Davis in the backup role.

Who is the Cowboys’ backup running back now?

Malik Davis is the primary backup to Javonte Williams. Davis has performed well with limited carries and plays key special teams snaps.

What does Israel Abanikanda’s signing mean for Blue?

It signals the team is looking at other options. Abanikanda could be elevated from the practice squad for game days, further blocking Blue’s path to the active roster.

Did Jaydon Blue play well in preseason?

He made several eye-popping plays in training camp, which generated fan excitement. That performance, however, did not translate to regular-season opportunities or coaching trust.

Will the Cowboys cut Jaydon Blue?

It is unlikely during this season. His roster spot will be seriously evaluated next offseason, especially if the team adds more competition at running back.