The Dallas Cowboys are dealing with what feels like an endless list of injuries heading into Week 5. ESPN's Todd Archer reported that Miles Sanders, KaVontae Turpin, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Booker, Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, and Malik Hooker all missed practice on Wednesday. This is a huge concern as the Cowboys have two very winnable games ahead against the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers, and back-to-back wins would put Dallas back into the wildcard picture and on the fringes of the division race.
If Sanders is out this week, rookie rusher Jaydon Blue could finally make his season debut. The first-year running back has been stuck behind Sanders and the continually impressive starter Javonte Williams. With this in mind, Sanders' injury could prove to be an opportunity for Blue to be the secondary rusher and perhaps carve out a surprise role in Brian Schottenheimer's offense.
Cowboys Rookie Jaydon Blue Could Finally Make His Debut in Important Week 5 Matchup
Blue was drafted out of Texas 149th overall in April after totaling over 1,000 scrimmage yards and scoring 14 touchdowns in his final year. His slipping so late in the draft was due to size concerns and playing in a system that some scouts suspected could be propping up the numbers of an undersized rusher.
Regardless, the Cowboys invested a pick in the rusher and could now finally give him a chance to make an impact. Seeing Blue's speed and ability to create space is undeniably far more exciting than trotting out Sanders for another week of predictably middling production. As great as Williams has been, fans wouldn't mind giving him some extra help — especially with Blue's pass-catching talents (368 yards, 6 TDs on 42 catches in 2024).
Sanders' early returns leave something to be desired, opening the door for Blue even before this week's injury news. Fans have been clamoring to get the ex-Longhorn on the gridiron, and Sunday's clash with the Jets might be the time for the hype train to finally pull into the station.
The Jets currently own the 12th-best Pro Football Focus run defense grade (68.0); however, they're also allowing 130.5 rushing yards per game (25th). It won't be an easy matchup, but the openings should be there for the Cowboys' rookie RB to make some noise.
Blue has long deserved a shot based on the current Dallas options, and it appears that his debut is increasingly likely. If he's given the opportunity and runs away with the ball, the Cowboys' backfield could look a lot different going forward, regardless of Sanders' health.