Jaydon

Blue

“Even if [Javonte] Williams does not re-sign, the Cowboys will look to find a lead back in free agency,” Archer adds. Blue had a nice meaningless Week 18 game where he almost doubled his carry total for the season and scored, but we agree with Archer that it’s hard to view him as a potential 2026 lead back for the Cowboys at this point. Blue’s dynasty stock is well down from its 2025 preseason peak.

Despite being quickly identified as a “sleeper” after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Blue couldn’t find the field in Dallas this season. He came into the day with just 64 rushing yards on 22 carries, but was given a larger workload with Javonte Williams and Malik Davis both out in Week 18. Blue doubled up on yardage on the day and looked solid on a few explosive plays, but totaling 128 yards on 38 carries (3.37 yards per carry) is not how many saw the year going. With Javonte Williams heading into free agency, the Cowboys likely can’t feel comfortable relying on Blue as their locked-in starter in 2026.

With both Malik Davis and Javonte Williams ruled out, Blue will get a chance to showcase his future for the Cowboys in Week 18. It’s been mostly a lost year for Blue as he’s been active in just four games up to this point and managed just 22 carries for 63 yards on the ground, along with a fumble that sent him tumbling out of the rotation against the Broncos. It would be in Blue’s best interest to put up some good tape against the Giants to close out his rookie season on a good note.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters early on Wednesday that both Williams and RB Malik Davis (calf/eye) would be limited. Instead, the team listed both players with DNPs yesterday and today. Rookie RB Jaydon Blue could see a fantasy-friendly workload this week against the Giants.

Williams went down with a shoulder injury in Week 17 against the Commanders. He left in the second quarter and was listed as questionable to return but never did so. Malik Davis would be an option for the Cowboys, but his availability for Week 18 is also in doubt because of an eye issue. Jaydon Blue would be the next man up if both backs are ruled out for Week 18.

While the Cowboys have insisted that they’re playing their starters in Week 18, nothing in that guarantee says they’ll play most of the game. Javonte Williams (shoulder) left Week 17’s win over the Commanders, and Malik Davis is apparently also dealing with an eye injury. It’s possible that both start or get a limited runway and the Cowboys see what Blue can do, making Blue a Week 18 running back of interest. The fifth-round rookie hasn’t had a real role since October after a fumble against the Broncos.

Clowney (hamstring) attempted to give it a go in warmups after practicing once, a limited session on Wednesday, this week. He will be missed against the Lions’ top-notch offense. The Cowboys have once again declared Blue, the once-exciting rookie, inactive this week. He does not need to be stashed at this time.

The Cowboys are without their left tackle, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 12 against the Eagles. He was unable to practice at all this week. Blue, the once exciting rookie running back, is only a mildly intriguing bench stash at this point. His explosive traits are not in doubt, but he seemingly has a way to go before the Cowboys trust him.

Malik Davis was elevated ahead of Monday Night Football, likely to serve as the direct backup to Javonte Williams. The Cowboys enjoy relative health as they take on the Raiders in Week 11.

Davis was active as the backup to Javonte Williams in Week 9 over rookie Jaydon Blue and saw just one carry for three yards. He has played in three games this season, totaling three carries for six yards. The Cowboys jettisoning Davis either indicates rookie seventh-rounder Phil Mafah (shoulder) is nearing a return from injured reserve or a renewed confidence in Blue. Either way, Williams will continues to dominate backfield touches for the Cowboys. Davis is also a candidate to return via practice squad.