It took them just nine weeks, but it seems like the Dallas Cowboys have officially given up on Jaydon Blue. And, judging by the way he's performed in limited opportunities, it would be hard to blame the team for that.
Blue failed to make the most of his opportunities with Miles Sanders out with a season-ending injury. He was a healthy scratch in the 27-17 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and his seemingly-inevitable demotion has now become a reality.
Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue Has Been a Massive Disappointment
The rookie out of Texas showed flashes of his impressive speed in college. However, reports from training camp and practice suggest that his work ethic, combined with an apparent lack of improvement and consistency, forced head coach Brian Schottenheimer to send him to the doghouse.
The Cowboys even signed Malik Davis from the practice squad to the active roster before the loss to the Cardinals, and while he only logged one carry for three yards, Coach Schottenheimer seems to have plenty of respect for his work ethic:
“We’re all about creating competition,” Schottenheimer said of Davis' addition, via the team's official YouTube page. “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. That would be another battle to watch.”
Blue had a chance to make a strong impression in the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. He posted career bests in carries (eight) and had an explosive 14-yard run, but his ball-security issues popped up again. He fumbled the ball, and while the Cowboys still recovered it, it didn't sit well with the coaching staff.
Through four appearances, Blue failed to make the most of his breakaway speed, turning 22 carries into 65 rushing yards. He wasn't a factor in the passing game either, logging just one reception in as many targets for five yards. That doesn't justify keeping him on the roster.
Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean this will be the end of his days in Arlington. If anything, Schottenheimer encouraged him to learn from Javonte Williams, who will continue to be the leading charge out of the backfield if he stays healthy.
But after watching the way he's reportedly carried himself and the actions the team has taken in consequence, it's hard to believe he's going to retake the field this season, barring an injury or a shocking turn of events.