'They'll all get a fair shot' - Brian Schottenheimer previews the most exciting Dallas Cowboys training camp battle on offense

I'm not sure "revamped" is the right word to describe the Dallas Cowboys running back position ahead of the 2025 NFL season. After all, it's considered one of the worst units around the league. 

But it is completely different than last year's and it comes with some upside. Sure, veteran free agent Javonte Williams hasn't been the same since a brutal knee injury in 2022 but 2025 could present his healthiest version yet. Fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue might not have the size to become the offense's cowbell but there's no denying his big play ability. The last time Miles Sanders was part of a consistently productive offense, he ran for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer discussed the position battle on Monday—the most exciting one on the offensive side of the ball considering most of the lineup is set elsewhere—and confirmed what teased back in April after the NFL Draft: Everyone is getting a shot to start.

"I think they’ll all get a fair shot," Schottenheimer said when asked who will get a chance to be a front runner. "The problem with OTAs for a running back is the game is meant to be played very physically. So, the way you run through the hole is different when you’re wearing pads or you’re in a nine-on-seven period than it is when you’re running around in shorts and t-shirts in OTAs."

Though it would only be fair to assume the veterans the Cowboys signed in March are the favorites for the job, expect Blue to be right in the mix and Hunter Luepke to stay locked in at fullback (and maybe some tight end). 

"They’ll all get reps, but I will say again—of the two veteran guys, they’re very different," Schottenheimer added. "Javonte looks great, Miles looks great. We’re excited about Jaydon (Blue). Hunter Luepke—I always talk about him, just with his versatility and what he can do. And of course, there’s Deuce (Vaughn)."