The Dallas Cowboys have been much better in the running game this season than in the previous couple of years. However, with Miles Sanders out for the season, they might need to find a better backup for Javonte Williams.
Cowboys rookie Jaydon Blue has averaged roughly 3.0 rushing yards per carry. He's failed to make the most of the extended opportunities, and, judging by the team's latest moves, they might be ready to demote him again.
Cowboys Sign Malik Davis to The Active Roster
Early on Monday, the team announced on X that they were signing Malik Davis to the active roster. This news came along with other roster moves as Dallas activated C Cooper Beebe from Reserve/Injured-Designate for return. They also placed LB Jack Sanborn on Reserve/Injured with a groin injury, and elevated DB Zion Childress and TE Princeton Fant ahead of Monday's class against the Arizona Cardinals.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has rightfully been critical of Blue's inconsistency this season. And after watching him lose a costly fumble in Week 8, Schottenheimer might be ready to pull the plug on the rookie speedster.
Brian Schottenheimer Has Specifically Called Jaydon Blue Out
“Jaydon was inconsistent in the game," Schottenheimer said this past week, via the team's official YouTube page. "He did some really good things, but there were some other things he’s got to do at a higher level. The fumble was a good hit, but he’s got to be able to hold onto the ball. And actually, our combination block was supposed to come off to it, and it didn’t, so again, that’s a blocking issue. But again, he can continue to play and emphasize playing more and more physically with and without the ball. That’s real."
Schottenheimer also praised Davis for the hard work he's put in during practice, and now that the team has officially signed him to the active roster, this sounds like the beginning of the end for the slumping Jaydon Blue:
"I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about Malik Davis and the job he's doing for us," Schottenheimer stated. "We're all about creating competition. It's not just creating competition on the defensive side of the ball for jobs and who's going to play. It's on offense as well, and that would be another battle to watch," the coach added.
Davis had two carries for three yards in the loss to the Denver Broncos. He had 36 carries for 161 yards and one touchdown as a rookie last season, and he will now look to make the most of the few touches he can get behind Javonte Williams.
This might not be the end of the line for Blue. He's still on a rookie contract, and even if he's demoted, the Cowboys will want to keep him around to see his growth and progress. Still, he's been in the headlines for the wrong reasons way too many times this season already, so he might benefit from some additional time working on his game and getting his act together.