The Dallas Cowboys’ preseason officially kicks off on Saturday, August 9, on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. As the team gears up for the start of the year, two potential injuries during today’s practice could raise concerns. Here’s a look at the players who left practice early.
Cowboys’ Jaydon Blue and Jake Ferguson Leave Practice Early With Apparent Injuries
The Cowboys’ 2024 season was derailed largely due to a wave of injuries across the roster. Among the most significant absences, Dak Prescott missed nine games and Micah Parsons missed four, leading to a disappointing 7-10 finish and no playoff appearance.
To make matters worse, contract talks with Parsons stalled during the offseason, only fueling the drama. What could have been a promising offseason quickly turned into a turbulent one, dominated by negative media coverage. Still, there were some bright spots, including Jake Ferguson’s extension, the arrival of George Pickens, and a solid draft class.
But during Thursday’s practice, Dallas suffered two injuries that could impact the season ahead. The first involved Jaydon Blue, a running back selected with the 149th pick in the draft, who was carted off the field before eventually walking to the locker room under his own power.
Jaydon Blue is now being walked to the locker room. He was walking under his own power #Cowboys https://t.co/bhYqC4Idh8
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 7, 2025
It’s worth noting that, unlike official games, where a cart typically signals a severe injury, in training camp, it’s often used as a precaution to avoid aggravating minor injuries. So, being carted off in this context doesn’t necessarily indicate anything serious.
The bigger concern was Ferguson, who took a hit to the back from linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and appeared to be in significant pain. He bypassed the medical tent entirely and went straight to the locker room, holding his lower back the entire time.
Jake Ferguson is in pain. He stood up for a while and walked around. Now he’s on a knee. pic.twitter.com/jNx5WJ6VaZ
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 7, 2025
Ferguson had a breakout year in 2023, scoring five touchdowns and recording 761 receiving yards, which earned him a Pro Bowl selection. His numbers dipped last season, with zero touchdowns, but that drop can be partially attributed to Dak Prescott’s absence, which affected the team’s passing game overall.
Ferguson recently signed a four-year, $50 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL. A long-term injury would be a major setback for Brian Schottenheimer’s offensive plans. For now, the severity of the injury hasn’t been disclosed, and he’s set to undergo further evaluation.
Meanwhile, rookie running back Blue enters the season with hopes of eventually taking over the backfield, bringing the explosiveness and elusiveness Dallas needs alongside Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders.
