In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys have waived former Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue ahead of the NFL's 53-man roster deadline. Blue, who began training camp as the team's No. 2 running back, was expected to secure a spot on the final roster. However, the Cowboys opted to make significant changes to their running back depth chart, ultimately leading to Blue's release.
Entering training camp, Blue was positioned behind Javonte Williams, but competition intensified as Malik Davis, an undrafted free agent from the 2022 NFL Draft, emerged as the backup running back. Davis's impressive performance throughout the training camp solidified his place on the roster, showcasing how a player can rise from the practice squad to a vital role in the team.
The Cowboys' decision to part ways with Blue is particularly noteworthy given his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team chose him with the 149th pick in the fifth round, recognizing his speed and potential. Blue demonstrated his athleticism by clocking a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, despite dealing with a hamstring injury. He later improved this time to 4.30 seconds at the Texas Pro Day, which further highlighted his capabilities as a speedy running back.
During his time at Texas, Blue had a mixed performance. He accumulated 1,161 rushing yards and scored 11 touchdowns on 214 carries, along with 56 receptions for 503 yards and seven touchdowns. While he was a reliable option in the passing game, his inconsistency and fumbling issues raised concerns about his ability to handle a full workload in the NFL. As a result, the Cowboys had initially envisioned him as a versatile all-purpose back for specific plays, but they already have a similar player in KaVontae Turpin.
With Blue's release, he now enters the waiver wire, where any of the other 31 NFL teams have the opportunity to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, the Cowboys could potentially re-sign him to their practice squad, allowing him to continue developing his skills and possibly earn a spot on the active roster in the future.
This unexpected move by the Cowboys underscores the competitive nature of the NFL, where roster decisions can change rapidly based on performance and team needs. As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, they will look to finalize their roster and make strategic decisions that position them for success.
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