The Dallas Cowboys were dealt a scare when running back Javonte Williams prematurely exited Christmas Day's win over the Washington Commanders with a shoulder injury. The veteran runner was on his way to another strong outing with 54 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries before disaster struck, leaving time to tell if he'll be able to get healthy in time for next week's regular season finale against the New York Giants.
It didn't take long before an update was announced, as head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed that Williams "is dealing with a shoulder stinger," per Cowboys reporter Tommy Yarrish. While it's great news that the 25-year-old's issue isn't more severe, it could put his Week 18 availability in jeopardy.
And if Williams can't find a way to suit up against the Giants on the road next week, rookie RB Jaydon Blue might finally get the golden opportunity he's been waiting for.
Jaydon Blue Could Be Put in the Spotlight if Javonte Williams Can't Play in Week 18
It isn't a secret that Blue's rookie campaign hasn't gone as smoothly as he and Cowboys fans hoped for. The former Texas Longhorn has only played four games since being drafted 149th overall by Dallas back in April, which includes when he was inactive again against the Commanders on Thursday afternoon.
Nobody expected Blue to take the NFL by storm in Year 1, but his lack of opportunities has been surprising — especially with Miles Sanders' season having ended in September. Instead, Williams has been the clear-cut RB1 from Week 1 to now, all while forgotten backfield contributor Malik Davis has forced his way into the RB2 role. It's even looking like Davis could be back in 2026 after tallying 103 rushing yards on Christmas Day, potentially throwing a wrench into Blue's outlook if nothing changes.
With that in mind, it's easy to see why Blue would be more than OK if Williams can't play in Week 18. Davis would likely be the starter if that happens, opening the door for the rookie rusher to work out of the No. 2 spot. Even if that only results in a handful of carries and targets, that could be all Blue needs to remind the Cowboys that he's still around and should be a part of next season's backfield plans.
Williams' health could seriously improve between now and Jan. 4, but even that wouldn't guarantee that he'll play against the Giants. After all, the ex-Denver Broncos RB has more than proved himself by rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, including Week 17, earning himself an offseason payday, whether that's from the Cowboys or another team. And the last thing he'd want is to hurt himself in a relatively meaningless game if he can avoid it.
With nothing left to lose (or gain) on Week 18, Schottenheimer & Co. need to experiment with what they have, and that includes throwing Blue into the fire. If the rookie RB can prove that he's learned from the sidelines and improved since last taking the field in Week 8, he'll deserve to have a firm spot in the backfield next season.
But if not, and Blue either doesn't play or fails to capitalize on any opportunity he sees, it might be time to rethink if he belongs in the Lone Star State.