The Dallas Cowboys are grappling with a deepening crisis in their backfield as rookie running back Jaydon Blue’s preseason debut remains uncertain. Blue, a promising talent from Texas, missed Wednesday’s practice in Oxnard, California, casting doubt on his availability for the team’s second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens this Saturday. The Cowboys, wrapping up their training camp in Oxnard, are now facing the harsh reality of a running back unit decimated by injuries.
Blue, who impressed scouts at the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, suffered a bruised ankle earlier in camp. The injury, while not considered severe, has prompted the Cowboys’ coaching staff to take a cautious approach with the rookie. This conservative strategy, though prudent for long-term health, has kept Blue sidelined, delaying his much-anticipated debut. The team’s backfield was already stretched thin in their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, where the absence of both Blue and veteran Miles Sanders forced the Cowboys to rely on Malik Davis and Phil Mafah.
Davis, in particular, seized the opportunity, delivering an impressive performance against the Rams. However, the Cowboys’ running game struggled, failing to register a single rushing play in the first quarter of the game. This lack of production underscores the team’s desperate need for depth and stability in the backfield as the regular season looms.
The Cowboys’ cautious handling of Blue’s injury reflects their focus on ensuring he is fully healthy for the regular season in September. While the team is eager to see what the rookie can bring to the field, prioritizing his recovery over a premature return in August is a strategic move. Blue’s absence, combined with Sanders’ unavailability, highlights the fragility of Dallas’ running back corps, which has been plagued by injuries throughout the preseason.
As the Cowboys prepare to return to Dallas on Thursday, the spotlight remains on Blue and the team’s ability to navigate this injury-riddled backfield. The organization is hopeful that Blue can return to full strength soon, but for now, his rookie season hangs in the balance. With the regular season fast approaching, the Cowboys must find a way to stabilize their running game, or risk entering the year with a glaring weakness.