The Dallas Cowboys were eager to see what rookie running back Jaydon Blue could bring to the offense in his first preseason action. The former Texas standout showed flashes of the talent that made him such an intriguing pick, providing an early glimpse of how he might fit into the rotation. His debut gave fans reason to be excited about the depth he could add to the backfield.
But just as quickly as Blue made an impression, his night took an unexpected turn. A late setback left the Cowboys facing more questions than answers about one of their newest offensive weapons. With the regular season rapidly approaching, attention now shifts to how this development could impact both Blue’s role, the team’s plans moving forward, and, of course, fantasy football rosters.
What Is Jaydon Blue’s Injury?
Blue’s preseason finale started with a highlight moment as the rookie running back found the end zone for the first time in a Cowboys uniform. Unfortunately, his night was cut short when he suffered an ankle injury that forced him out of the game. The team quickly ruled him out, ending his debut on a frustrating note despite the early promise.
The injury was to Blue’s right ankle and heel, the same area he originally hurt during an Aug. 7 training camp practice. That setback kept him sidelined for nearly two weeks before returning to practice earlier in the week. Friday’s re-aggravation raises concern about how quickly he’ll be able to get back to full strength.
For the Cowboys, the timing is particularly disappointing since Blue had just worked his way back into action. With the regular season approaching, the focus now shifts to his recovery timeline.
After the game, Blue was optimistic. “It was the same ankle just got rolled up a little bit, but I don’t think it’s nothing serious,” he said in a press conference. “I’ve had ankle rolls plenty of times, but I feel good right now.”
#Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue suffered a low ankle sprain in Friday’s preseason finale, per source. The rookie is hopeful to be ready for Week 1.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 24, 2025
The latest from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is that the rookie is hopeful to be in the rotation against the rival Philadelphia Eagles in the kickoff of the 2025 NFL regular season on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Blue’s Fantasy Football Outlook
The Cowboys were arguably the worst rushing team in the league last season. Only two teams averaged fewer rushing yards per attempt than Dallas (4.0), while none scored fewer rushing touchdowns (six).
That being said, Rico Dowdle did manage to turn that barren environment into an RB2 finish, ending the season as the RB23 overall, averaging 12.4 fantasy points per game. Former Denver Broncos back Javonte Williams will start the year as the team’s lead back, but Blue could get work as a pass catcher, having excelled in that area in college.
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He could soon be in for more opportunities if Williams fails to impress, though, which wouldn’t be too surprising. Of the 36 backs with at least 130 carries in 2024, only two averaged fewer yards per attempt than Williams (3.7). Beyond Williams, perennial backup Miles Sanders stands between Blue and the starting job, giving the rookie a real chance to earn significant usage in Year 1.
Blue scored 14 total touchdowns for Texas last year, including six through the air, and found the end zone for the Cowboys during the preseason. In the 12th round, Blue is the 44th running back being taken in drafts and has a far clearer pathway to a starting role than most of the backups being taken around him.
