Jaydon Blue
Running Back
Jaydon Blue News
Jaydon Blue to "Get a Ton of Work" in the Preseason
Dallas Cowboys running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will both "get a ton of work" in preseason games, head coach Brian Schottenheimer told Patrik Walker of the team's official website. Schottenheimer also made it known that Blue and Mafah are "in a heated battle" for the backup RB spot behind starter Javonte Williams. It appears that both Blue and Mafah have overtaken Malik Davis for potential RB2 duties entering the 2026 campaign. The 22-year-old Blue, a fifth-rounder from the University of Texas last year, only saw action in five games as a rookie, carrying the ball 38 times for 129 yards and one touchdown and catching one pass for a five-yard gain. Who wins the RB2 job between Blue and Mafah could very well come down to how they perform in the preseason, with Blue being the more intriguing upside stash in dynasty/keeper leagues because of his blend of pass-catching ability and speed. He's also the best handcuff play for fantasy managers who draft Williams. There have been nothing but glowing reports on Blue's development going into his sophomore season in Dallas.
Aug 13, 2026 11:07 AM EST
Cowboys Want to Get Jaydon Blue More Involved in Passing Game
Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has been a standout so far in training camp this summer and "continues to burn up the practice field with big runs," according to All City DLLS's Clarence Hill. Blue had two would-be touchdowns on long runs on Thursday and also saw a lot of run with the first-team offense, alternating with RB1 Javonte Williams. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team loves Blue's speed and "want to get him involved in the passing game" to take advantage of opposing defenses that are looking to take away receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens on the outside. "I think what we feel like we have in Jaydon when you're playing defenses that are trying to change the math and cheat to really elite receivers, which we have, there's usually a favorable matchup in that regard," Schottenheimer said. After a disappointing rookie year in 2025, Blue is looking like the favorite for RB2 duties in Dallas behind Williams and ahead of Malik Davis and Phil Mafah. At the very least, Blue is shaping up as the handcuff to roster if you also have Williams.
Jul 31, 2026 10:53 AM EST
Jaydon Blue Named Standout After First Camp Practice
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue was one of the players who stood out during Wednesday's first training camp practice, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said, according to Jon Machota. Blue also mixed in with the first-team offense and broke a 45-yard run that would have resulted in a touchdown during the non-padded session. The 22-year-old appeared in five games as a rookie, finishing with 38 carries for 129 yards and one touchdown while catching one pass for five yards. Javonte Williams remains firmly established as Dallas' lead back after rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. The competition behind him remains unsettled, with Phil Mafah receiving the initial No. 2 reps Wednesday and Malik Davis returning after recording 250 rushing yards last season. Blue's 4.38 speed gives him an explosive trait that separates him from the other reserve options, but one strong practice does not secure the backup job. He remains a worthwhile late-round watch while competing for a meaningful complementary role.
Jul 30, 2026 12:15 PM EST
Jaydon Blue Flashing Early in Camp, Remains in Competition for No. 2 Role
Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has flashed early in training camp this summer and had one of the highlights of the first day of practice on Wednesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "My speed is what I'm best at. Once I get in the open field and it's one-on-one, I don't think anyone in this league can stand a chance," Blue said. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said back in June that the 22-year-old Blue has been "night and day" in terms of his performance this year compared to last year. Javonte Williams is Dallas' clear RB1 after a career year in his first year with the Cowboys in 2025, but the RB2 job is up for grabs, and based on Blue's strong work so far, he may very well be the favorite. The former fifth-rounder from the University of Texas could never get his legs under him in a trying rookie campaign, as he had only 38 rushing attempts for 129 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for five yards in five games played. Blue is battling with Malik Davis and Phil Mafah for the RB2 role this summer, with his elite speed giving him a leg up. The time is now for Blue to make his move.
Jul 29, 2026 2:16 PM EST
Jaydon Blue to Battle for an Important Insurance Role
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue barely saw the field as a rookie, with 16 of his 39 total touches coming in a Week 18 tilt against the Giants, in which the team's starters saw limited action. Leading rusher Javonte Williams signed a three-year extension early in the offseason, locking him in atop the depth chart, but with few other moves made at the position, Blue has the opportunity to compete against a familiar cast of characters for primary backup responsibilities. Serving in that role last season, Malik Davis showed great efficiency on his limited touches, which could put him in pole position ahead of 2026 training camp, while 2025 seventh-round pick Phil Mafah was active in only one game as a rookie. Meanwhile, Blue was reported to have impressed his coaches with the progress he showed during OTAs and minicamp, and if he can carry that momentum into the padded practices of training camp, he could threaten for an important insurance role in what again projects to be a high-scoring offense.
Jul 18, 2026 8:37 AM EST
Cowboys Seeing "Night and Day" Difference With Jaydon Blue
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue was a non-factor in his first year in the NFL in 2025 after the Cowboys took him in the fifth round out of the University of Texas, only carrying the ball 38 times for 129 yards and one touchdown while catching one pass for a gain of five yards in five games. Malik Davis became the primary backup to workhorse Javonte Williams, and he finished as the team's second-leading rusher (250 yards). Blue was never the lead RB in college with the Longhorns, but he was a key member of their backfield. It was a disappointing first year in the NFL for the 22-year-old, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the difference in Blue during the offseason program has been "night and day." Williams is the Cowboys' unquestioned lead back after inking a new three-year, $24 million deal after posting a career-high 1,201 rushing yards in 2025. Blue will have a chance to compete with Davis and Phil Mafah for an increased role in his sophomore season in 2026. There's some sleeper potential here for the second-year RB, with RotoBaller ranking him as the No. 75 fantasy RB.
Jun 25, 2026 10:56 AM EST
Jaydon Blue a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate After Underwhelming Rookie Year?
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue spent most of his rookie season as a healthy scratch on game days. The 22-year-old appeared in just five games and finished the year with 134 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 34 touches, about half of which came in a meaningless Week 18 game. Veteran back Javonte Williams dominated backfield work for Dallas in 2025, and he's back in place as the team's RB1 heading into 2026. However, the team did not make any notable additions to its backfield in either free agency or the NFL Draft. As a result, Blue looks to be competing with Malik Davis, Phil Mafah, and Israel Abanikanda for the Cowboys RB2 role. While Blue did little to inspire confidence in fantasy managers as a rookie, he may still be worth buying low on in dynasty formats ahead of a potential year two breakout.
Jun 7, 2026 11:19 AM EST
Jaydon Blue Will Need to Show More in Year Two to Stick on Dynasty Rosters
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue was a fifth-round pick in 2025, and after only one year in the league, he's already fighting for his roster life at the bottom of dynasty benches. Blue was a healthy scratch in 12 weeks as a rookie, and when he saw the field, he averaged only 3.4 yards per attempt. With Dallas extending Javonte Williams on a three-year, $24 million deal, meaningful reps will again be hard to come by, with Williams' 252 carries in 2025 ranking 10th in the league. Working in Blue's favor was one of the weakest running back draft classes in recent memory. With the Cowboys bypassing the position entirely, opting to spend most of their picks on defense, Blue's competition for primary backup duties will be fifth-year veteran Malik Davis, whose 2025 season was ended by eye and calf injuries, and fellow second-year player Phil Mafah. While the insurance role behind Williams offers little standalone value, an injury would make the Cowboys RB2 one of the more sought-after handcuffs in the league, so for dynasty managers with the luxury, the 22-year-old Blue should be held until news starts to emerge from camp about how the depth chart is shaping up.
May 1, 2026 5:29 AM EST
Will Jaydon Blue Remain the Cowboys' RB2 After the Draft?
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue had a quiet rookie season in 2025, totaling 39 touches and logging offensive snaps in just five games. The Texas product was a healthy scratch more often than not, but he did make an impact with 16 carries, 64 rushing yards, and one touchdown in the Week 18 regular-season finale. That game showed that Blue is capable of taking on a more substantial role in the backfield, delivering decent efficiency numbers and even boasting touchdown upside. It took a while for Blue to earn the coaches' trust and carve out a role, but his strong Week 18 could be a good indication that he'll hold onto the No. 2 running back role in 2026. The Cowboys re-signed Javonte Williams to be their RB1 and potential every-down back, but they've yet to bring in any sort of competition for Blue in the second-string role. There's still plenty of time left in free agency, but with each passing day, an external signing looks less likely. The NFL Draft does represent an elephant in the room, but this year's running back class is viewed as abnormally weak, so there are very few impact ball-carriers in the mid-to-late rounds. Plus, it's been a while since the Cowboys last drafted a running back who made a real impact as a rookie. Blue, who patiently waited his turn to produce last year, seems to have earned first dibs on the No. 2 running back role for 2026. Barring a surprise during the NFL Draft, it seems like Blue will be the direct backup to Williams. As a result, he has plenty of fantasy appeal as the handcuff behind Williams. Managers who roster Williams in dynasty leagues should consider sending out trade offers for Blue this offseason.
Apr 6, 2026 7:17 PM EST
Jaydon Blue Destined for More Volume in Second Season?
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue had a very underwhelming rookie season in the NFL. A healthy scratch more often than not, Blue finished his first pro campaign with just 134 scrimmage yards and one touchdown across five games. The bulk of his production came from a single game in Week 18, when he had 16 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. While it was understandably difficult for managers to watch Dallas essentially feed just one running back (Javonte Williams) all year, Blue is still a strong handcuff and an important part of the dynasty fantasy football conversation. Williams will lead the backfield again in 2026, but Blue's strong Week 18 and the Cowboys' lack of other running back moves indicate that the Texas product is slated for the backup role. Blue won't have standalone value every week, but he'll be a top-10 running back handcuff, presumably ranking as an RB2 if Williams were to miss time. As a result, Blue is an intriguing buy-low option in dynasty leagues this offseason, especially for managers who already have Williams on their roster.
Mar 19, 2026 7:21 AM EST
Jaydon Blue Tough to Trust After Underwhelming Rookie Campaign
A fourth-round pick out of the University of Texas in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue earned some preseason buzz as a potential dark horse candidate to emerge as the Cowboys' RB1. However, the 22-year-old was a non-factor for Dallas in 2025, spending most of the year on the inactive list as a healthy scratch. Across five games played, Blue recorded 129 rushing yards and a touchdown on 38 touches. Nearly half of his rushing production came in Week 18, when the competitive portion of the Cowboys' season had already concluded. Entering 2026, Cowboys RB1 Javonte Williams is set to hit unrestricted free agency. As such, there is once again a potential playing time opportunity open to Blue in the Dallas backfield, as the only other running back currently under contract with the Cowboys for 2026 is the similarly unproven Phil Mafah. However, it seems likely that Dallas will bring in another backfield option or two in either free agency or the draft. Based on Blue's disappointing rookie year, it's difficult for fantasy managers in dynasty formats to have much trust in his potential for future production.
Feb 16, 2026 6:57 AM EST
Jaydon Blue Leads the Backfield in Week 18, Scores First Career Touchdown
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue was a non-factor for the Cowboys during the 2026 season. Still, with them missing the playoffs and having nothing to play for in Week 17, they decided to rest a handful of starters, such as running back Javonte Williams, which allowed Blue to get the start. He made the most out of it, rushing 16 times for 64 yards (4.0 YPC) and scoring his first career touchdown. He out-touched rookie Phil Mafah 16 to five in this contest. Blue was not involved at all in the passing game and finished his rookie campaign with 38 rush attempts for 129 yards (3.39 YPC) and one touchdown. Cowboys lead running back, Williams, was on a one-year deal, meaning his return to the team will certainly impact Blue's 2026 outlook. The former fifth-round pick in 2025, Blue, remains a dynasty stash at best.
Jan 5, 2026 9:56 AM EST
Jaydon Blue In Line to Lead Cowboys Backfield in Week 18
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue could play his most snaps in a game this season in Week 18's regular-season finale against the New York Giants, with both Javonte Williams (shoulder, neck) and Malik Davis (calf, eye) ruled out. The fifth-round rookie has only been active for four games this season, with his most recent appearance coming back in Week 8 in the loss to the Denver Broncos. He has recorded 22 carries for 65 yards to go with one catch (one target) for five yards. Blue eventually lost his backup role to Davis after Week 8, but he could be set up for a big day on the ground on Sunday against the 30th-ranked Giants run defense. The Cowboys will likely use fullback Hunter Luepke more with Williams and Davis out, but Blue has big upside as a flex option for the final game of the regular season.
Jan 3, 2026 11:08 AM EST
Jaydon Blue to Get Some Playing Time in Week 18?
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that rookie running back Jaydon Blue could get some snaps on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. The Cowboys have nothing left to play for but pride, and fellow RBs Javonte Williams (shoulder) and Malik Davis (eye) are banged up, potentially leading to Blue playing for the first time since Week 8. The 21-year-old has only seen action in four games in 2025 in his first year in the NFL, carrying the ball 22 times for 65 yards while adding one catch for a five-yard gain. The Cowboys essentially benched Blue in favor of Davis after the fifth-rounder lost a fumble in the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. Depending on the statuses of Williams and Davis this weekend, though, Blue could be in play as a DFS sleeper against the G-Men.
Dec 30, 2025 3:56 PM EST
Jaydon Blue Hasn't Played Since Week 8
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue impressed the coaching staff in training camp and the preseason, leading to him being a late-round dart throw in fantasy football drafts. Blue has been unable to carry over that momentum during the summer into his first NFL season, though, as he's been active for only four games in 2025. The 21-year-old fifth-round selection out of Texas didn't make his debut until Week 5, and he has been a healthy scratch in four consecutive games since he fumbled the ball away in the team's Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. It seemed as though Blue had a clear path to RB2 duties after Miles Sanders had season-ending knee surgery, but Malik Davis has ascended the depth chart behind starter Javonte Williams instead. In his four games this year, Blue has only 22 carries for 65 yards (3.0 yards per carry) and no touchdowns. Blue should only be stashed in keeper/dynasty leagues.
Nov 28, 2025 10:35 PM EST
Jaydon Blue Inactive for Thanksgiving Game vs. the Chiefs
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Thursday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Blue is a healthy scratch again for the third straight game and hasn't suited up since Week 8 versus the Broncos. The Cowboys' rookie has rushed for 65 yards on 22 attempts while catching one pass for five yards over four games. With Blue a healthy scratch, look for Javonte Williams to lead the Cowboys' backfield while Malik Davis backs him up. Blue's next chance to suit up will be Week 14 against the Detroit Lions. The 21-year-old is difficult to trust and is mainly an option in dynasty leagues until he's active and has a role in the Cowboys backfield.
Nov 27, 2025 3:24 PM EST
Jaydon Blue a Healthy Scratch Again in Week 11
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo are both healthy scratches for the Monday night game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Blue didn't do anything over the bye week to convince the Cowboys that he deserved to be active in Week 11. The 21-year-old drew rave reviews in training camp during the summer, but he has been active in only four games in his first year in the NFL and has 22 rushing attempts for 65 yards while catching one pass for five yards. The Cowboys elevated Malik Davis to the active 53-man roster, and he will operate as the RB2 behind starter Javonte Williams on Monday. Mingo was activated from the Injured Reserve before the Week 8 game, but he has yet to play so far in 2025.
Nov 17, 2025 7:15 PM EST
Jaydon Blue Set for Bigger Role Out of the Bye Week?
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue was a healthy inactive in the team's last game in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals. After being inactive for the team's first four games of the season, Blue was finally active for his NFL debut in Week 5 against the New York Jets after Miles Sanders (ankle, knee) was placed on injured reserve. The rookie fifth-rounder out of Texas served as the clear No. 2 back behind starter Javonte Williams, handling 22 carries for 65 yards and adding one catch (one target) for five yards in Weeks 5 through 8 before being made inactive again in Week 9. The lack of receiving usage was disappointing to see, as that is one of the most appealing parts of Blue's prospect profile, but he essentially just spelled Williams and didn't see many creative play designs to get him the ball in space and use his 4.38 speed. It remains to be seen if Blue will play in the coming weeks and what his usage will look like if he is active.
Nov 12, 2025 12:40 AM EST
Jaydon Blue a Healthy Scratch on Monday Night
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo are both healthy scratches for the team's Monday night game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer was very critical of Blue following the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos, in which Blue had a costly fumble. The 21-year-old will now be inactive this week in favor of Malik Davis as Dallas' RB2 behind starter Javonte Williams. It's a step back for Blue, who didn't make his NFL debut until Week 5 for the Cowboys. In his four games played, the fifth-rounder out of Texas has carried the ball 22 times for 65 yards (3.0 yards per carry) while adding one catch for five yards. While Blue probably won't be in the doghouse for the rest of the season, he's in street clothes on Monday night and has currently lost out on the RB2 role in Dallas.
Nov 3, 2025 8:00 PM EST
Jaydon Blue Not a Strong Fantasy Option in Week 9
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue saw his heaviest workload of the season in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos, totaling 29 rushing yards on eight carries. While his role in the offense has been gradually increasing, Blue remains a low-volume option and is not a reliable fantasy contributor at this time. The Cowboys face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9, which could present a favorable matchup for Dallas' offense overall. However, with limited touches expected, Blue should continue to sit on fantasy benches rather than being considered for starting lineups.
Nov 1, 2025 4:57 PM EST
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