Why Jaydon Blue could become Cowboys starting running back in 2026
· Yahoo Sports
Why Jaydon Blue could become Cowboys starting running back in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Visit amunra.qpon for more information.
Jaydon Blue has to show the Cowboys something.
The fifth round running back from Texas was anticipated as a sparkplug. He was compared to Darren Sproles by his head coach. A red carpet of preseason hype became a dud on the field.
Blue had 38 carries for 129 yards and 1 touchdown in his rookie season. He didn't see the field the first four games.
But it's the dawn of a new day. The Cowboys signed veteran Javonte Williams to a 3-year deal but the backup role is wide open. In today's NFL a backup can work into a timeshare and even a starting role.
The table is set. Blue has a chance to right his wrongs and become a force in the Dallas backfield.
Why Jaydon Blue could become Cowboys starting RB
The Athletic's Jon Machota reported on Blue's mindset entering his sophomore season.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer seems to notice a difference.
“He’s doing great,” Schottenheimer said recently. “He came back with a different look than what he had his rookie year.
Blue admits that "I didn’t start off like I should have,” and that he's felt a difference practicing with the veterans this season.
So the young player is starting to mature. What's next?
Dallas committed to Williams in the offseason but the backup role is wide open. Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams seems to lean towards a committee backfield, which means more touches for the #2.
"I’ve always been a little bit more in places where you try to keep your starting guy as fresh as you possibly can and spell him with another player," Adams said.
Jaydon Blue has to get consistent at doing this. pic.twitter.com/YDwdEXVfdn
— (Foots The King) (@FootsDaKing) May 31, 2026
That means Blue has a chance to seize a chance at real touches. Even if the split is 60/40 in favor of Williams, Blue will have plenty of opportunities as a pass-catching back.
MORE: Haley Cavinder posts epic wedding photos with Cowboys star Jake Ferguson
The Cowboys want to see him develop into that. With their draft investment from last season and the promise Blue showed in college, Dallas is motivated to give him opportunities.
If he capitalizes on those, Blue could force serious conversations in a year about who should be the lead back for America's Team.
But first, he'll have to prove his maturity is not a facade. No Louis Vuitton cleats, no DNP's.
Only time will tell if the young prospect will bloom.
MORE: $5.5 million free agent addition named breakout candidate for Dallas Cowboys