The Dallas Cowboys' running game has been a pleasant surprise for fans, led by offseason signee Javonte Williams. When the Cowboys decided to let Rico Dowdle out the door and bring in Williams, fans were wary of what seemed to be another season of lackluster production from the backfield. Instead, with the addition of Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator and offensive line guru, the run game has been a huge part of the reason the Cowboys boast the best offense in the NFL.
But while Williams is leading the backfield by storm, rookie RB Jaydon Blue hasn't seen much action through five weeks. That could change, though, as the running back room took a hit Friday when Stephen Jones announced RB Miles Sanders will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury (h/t @1053thefan).
The loss of Sanders hurts, though. Despite missing the Cowboys’ last game against the New York Jets, Sanders seemed to be a good complement to Williams through the first four games. Sanders averaged 5.9 yards per carry, shockingly more than Williams. Now, with Sanders out, the Cowboys will have to look no further than their own locker room for his potential replacement.
Jaydon Blue, your time has come.
Cowboys Must Unleash Jaydon Blue in RB2 Role After Losing Miles Sanders
Dallas drafted Blue in the 2025 NFL draft with the 149th overall pick and instantly became a fan favorite, having played for the Texas Longhorns. After being a healthy scratch for the first four weeks of the season, Blue made his debut against the Jets in Sanders’ absence. He played 11 offensive snaps, carried the ball four times for seven rushing yards. Heading into this week’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Cowboys fans should anticipate seeing a rise in Blue’s snaps and production.
The Panthers haven't been anything special against the run this season, allowing 107.2 rushing yards per game (14th) and 4.5 yards per carry (19th).
At Texas, Blue was a part of a loaded running back room that featured Bijan Robinson, Jonathon Brooks, and Roschon Johnson. Known for his speed, quickness, and agility, Blue came out as a raw talent who hadn’t seen that many snaps. Despite the fact, owner/general manager Jerry Jones and the front office regarded Blue highly in the draft, stating they tried trading up for him, before ultimately landing him in the fifth round.
After a solid training camp, Blue played one preseason game with the Cowboys, tallying nine carries for 25 yards and a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 22.
Fast forward to Week 6, and Blue can provide what Sanders did before getting sidelined. Instead of having to pivot elsewhere and looking for a trade target, the Cowboys need to put the trust in their young back to see if he is what they drafted him to be.