The Dallas Cowboys have one last regular-season game remaining until their offseason officially begins. Owner/general manager Jerry Jones will have his hands full as he attempts to address the multitude of issues the Cowboys are set to deal with, including when it comes to pending free-agent running backs Javonte Williams (unrestricted) and Malik Davis (restricted).
Williams, who joined Dallas via free agency last year, has exceeded expectations, while Davis has shown flashes as the season progressed. The duo's success has made rookie RB Jaydon Blue's first year in the NFL all the more disappointing, as the ex-Texas Longhorn continues to struggle on the field while slipping down the depth chart.
With that being said, Blue's 'prove-yourself' moment could be waiting for him against the New York Giants in Week 18. ESPN's Todd Archer reported on Friday afternoon that Williams (shoulder/neck) and Davis (calf/eye) have been ruled out of Sunday's NFC East showdown, opening the door for the Cowboys' rookie to show what he can do.
Cowboys Might Finally Unleash Jaydon Blue in Week 18
Without Williams and Davis playing this weekend, the Cowboys' backfield will be shorthanded. Miles Sanders has been on the injured reserve since earlier this season, and while fellow rookie RB Phil Mafah had his practice window open on Dec. 17, Dallas might play it safe with him if he does make his NFL debut on Sunday.
Throw in the fact that Israel Abanikanda is the only rusher on the practice squad, and it's easy to see why Blue might be suiting up as the Cowboys' RB1 this weekend. If that's the case, it'll be up to him to prove that it isn't a wasted opportunity.
It's been a quiet rookie campaign for Blue, who's often been a healthy scratch, limiting him to four appearances so far. He hasn't played in a game since Week 8, though, as he failed to make the most of his early-season chances. He managed to turn 22 carries into just 65 rushing yards (3.0 yards per attempt) and three first downs before the Cowboys decided that he was better off on the sidelines until further notice.
If Blue can make the most of his (likely) opportunity on Sunday, the Cowboys might have a better idea of what to do with the RB room this offseason. A strong effort vs. New York could have Dallas feeling more confident about the idea of Blue coming back as the RB1 next year if Williams becomes too expensive in free agency. The Giants are allowing 5.2 yards per carry (32nd) and 145.4 rushing yards per game (31st), after all.
Even if he can't prove he should be the lead guy in 2026, Blue can at least use this weekend to show he should be in the RB2 mix next season. Davis will likely return due to his being a restricted free agent, but his missing Week 18 could open the door for Blue to steal his job, positioning him to be the No. 2 backfield option, regardless of whether it's Williams or someone else leading the charge next season.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer's first year behind the bench was all about figuring things out, giving the Cowboys a blueprint on what to do next. Blue can be a part of whatever's on the horizon if he's given a chance to lead the backfield this weekend, potentially proving that Schottenheimer & Co. were right to be patient with him.