Javonte Williams continues to be a revelation for the Dallas Cowboys. Perhaps the biggest surprise breakout of the season, the 25-year-old rusher has been one of the best running backs in the league through seven weeks. He added another 19 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders to get to 592 yards and six scores for the season, while averaging a career-high, by a mile, 5.3 yards per carry.
While Williams' emergence has been fun to watch, concerns remain about the depth of the position behind him. The former Bronco has been a one-man show all season, and after Miles Sanders' season-ending injury, the Cowboys are lacking a reliable RB2.
Rookie RB Jaydon Blue Still Can't Make Most of His Opportunity
Jaydon Blue has a massive opportunity in front of him, but he has yet to make the most of it. On Sunday, Blue saw more touches than he had in any other game this season, running for 29 yards on seven carries and adding five yards on one reception in the passing game. While this was the most productive game of the rookie's career, his numbers for the season leave plenty to be desired.
In three games, the 21-year-old back is averaging 2.6 yards per carry on 14 rushing attempts. He was briefly featured in the return game, but that is no longer the case after KaVontae Turpin rejoined the lineup. This means that there aren't many reasons as to why Blue should get more reps from the coaching staff. The fifth-round pick has eye-popping speed and acceleration, but hasn't been able to showcase his raw athletic tools on the football field.
The Cowboys have two more games before the Nov. 4 trade deadline. Blue still has a chance to impress and cement his spot as the RB2 going forward. Yet, it's safe to assume that he is on thin ice. Fellow rookie Phil Mafah, who stood out in training camp and preseason, is expected to return from the IR later in the season. The Cowboys could also bring in a RB2 at the trade deadline. Running backs are generally easier to acquire mid-season for a low asking price, and there is a chance Jerry Jones considers a small move to address the RB rotation.
Blue still has a chance to be a change-of-pace back with his game-breaking speed. He should still have an opportunity as the RB3 even if the Cowboys decide to make an in-season addition. For any role larger than that, however, Blue would need to show more relatively soon.