Dallas Cowboys Rookie Demoted After Poor Performance In Week 8

When the Dallas Cowboys selected running back Jaydon Blue in the fifth round of the draft, many saw it as a potential steal. The Texas product possessed intriguing speed and versatility, but his transition to the NFL has been challenging. After a costly fumble and inconsistent play, it appears the rookie is being demoted on the depth chart, opening the door for another back to earn a role.

Jaydon Blue’s Missed Opportunity With The Dallas Cowboys

Blue was a healthy scratch for the first month of the season as he adjusted to the pro level. An opportunity arose when backup running back Miles Sanders suffered a season-ending knee injury, vaulting the rookie into the RB2 role behind Javonte Williams. However, Blue has struggled to capitalize on the opportunity. In the games since, he has gained just 65 yards on 22 carries, averaging a lackluster 3.0 yards per rush.

The most significant misstep came in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos when Blue lost a fumble in the third quarter. That turnover, combined with his overall performance, has led the coaching staff to reconsider his role.

Schottenheimer’s Critical Feedback

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer did not hold back in his assessment of the rookie’s play. He described Blue’s performance as “inconsistent,” acknowledging some good moments but emphasizing the need for improvement. “You can’t put the ball on the ground, you have to be on top of your blitz pickups, you have to do those things,” Schottenheimer stated.

He also pointed to starter Javonte Williams as the ideal role model for the young back. “The big thing I have told him about, you’ve got the perfect guy sitting right to your left in Javonte to learn from,” Schottenheimer added, referencing Williams’ own journey as a rookie trying to figure things out.

A New Challenger Emerges

Perhaps the most telling part of Schottenheimer’s comments was his unprompted praise for veteran running back Malik Davis. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about Malik Davis and the job he is doing for us,” he said. “We’re all about creating competition… that would be another battle to watch.”

Davis has played only five offensive snaps this season, but the coaching staff’s public endorsement suggests he is pushing for a larger role. This internal competition puts the pressure squarely on Blue to clean up his mistakes and demonstrate the consistency required to stay on the field. While Blue’s 4.38 speed and playmaking ability are undeniable, ball security and reliability are non-negotiable in the NFL. For now, his time as the primary backup appears to be over, and he will have to earn his way back into the rotation.