Key Points
- Surprise Waiver: The Dallas Cowboys released running back Jaydon Blue on the cut-down deadline to fit the 53-man roster, according to an ESPN Insider Adam Schefter report.
- Preseason Performance: Blue was seen contributing significantly in the preseason games, including rushing against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field and gaining 75 yards against the Arizona Cardinals.
- Backfield Dynamics: Following the waiving of Blue along with his draft-mate Phil Mafah, the backup roles behind the starting running back Javonte Williams will now fall on Malik Davis, Israel Abanikanda, and Jashaun Corbin.
- Draft Background: Jaydon Blue was a fifth-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft from the University of Texas and had amassed 730 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns in his Junior year at college.
Seattle, Washington (Evening Washington News) August 31, 2026 — The landscape of the National Football League shifted dramatically on roster cutdown day as the Dallas Cowboys executed one of the most unexpected personnel decisions of the league’s preseason cycle. According to reports from ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the franchise officially waived second-year running back Jaydon Blue.
The move comes as a shock to analysts and supporters alike, particularly given that Blue had seen extensive work during the summer months—stretching back to his appearances in exhibition matches, such as the cross-conference clash against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field, and a strong 75-yard performance against the Arizona Cardinals.
Why Did the Dallas Cowboys Waive Jaydon Blue?
The decision to part ways with the former University of Texas standout caught many observers off guard because Blue had seemingly positioned himself well during training camp. As detailed by Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints,
“The Cowboys waived Jaydon Blue while trimming their roster down to 53 players. It was one of the most surprising moves of cut-down day”.
Bassett noted that despite entering his rookie campaign in 2025 with high expectations following his selection in the fifth round, Blue was restricted to just 38 carries for 129 yards across five appearances. However, as reported by Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints,
“Reports suggested that Blue improved in a big way in the offseason, though, and he was even the favorite to earn the RB2 gig at one point”.
How Did Jaydon Blue Perform in the Preseason?
Prior to his release, Blue showcased his capabilities throughout August, providing glimpses of the explosive running style that defined his collegiate career. As noted by the editorial staff at Fantasy Football Calculator, the running back
“put together a solid August, rushing for 94 yards on 23 carries through the Cowboys’ first two preseason games. That included 75 yards on 15 attempts against Arizona”.
During a joint practice earlier in the schedule, Blue also battled through minor setbacks, including a sore shoulder initially sustained during the opening preseason fixture against Seattle. Jon Machota of The Athletic previously highlighted that
“Blue suffered the shoulder injury during the Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday,”
which temporarily halted his momentum before he bounced back into the rotation.
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What Led Up to the Roster Decision?
To understand how the backfield evolved, one must look at the candid conversations held between the coaching staff and the player during the offseason. Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer opened up to media members about addressing Blue’s frustrating rookie campaign. As reported by Todd Archer of ESPN, Schottenheimer stated that
“We kind of put it all out there, put all the cards on the table. He didn’t like being inactive, and I was very honest with my opinion of why he wasn’t active. So we had some really great conversations. He took that, he ingested it, took it in, and he’s come back with a great look on his face and a great work ethic”.
Despite this positive developmental arc and early projections placing him securely behind veteran starter Javonte Williams, internal competition reshaped the depth chart. Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints explained that
“Instead, Blue was supplanted by Malik Davis on the depth chart after he had an impressive training camp and preseason run”.
Furthermore, the simultaneous evaluation of rookie running back Phil Mafah—another late-round selection from the same draft class—compounded the numbers game at the position.
Who Benefits from the Running Back Shakeup?
With both Blue and Mafah being processed off the roster, the configuration of the Dallas offensive backfield has changed drastically. While Javonte Williams remains firmly entrenched as the undisputed primary option, the supporting cast behind him features new dynamics.
As outlined by Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints,
“That leaves Davis, Israel Abanikanda, and Jashaun Corbin as the options to back up Williams”.
Furthermore, as highlighted by Yardbarker reporting,
“Jaydon Blue’s release means the Cowboys’ running back room continues to take shape. It could mean Malik Davis could take on a bigger role in the offense as he vies for the RB2 role behind Williams in 2026”.
What Is Next for Jaydon Blue?
As an energetic young athlete with productive college tape from his junior year at Texas—where he compiled 730 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, 42 receptions, 368 receiving yards, and six additional scores through the air—Blue enters the open market with substantial upside. Analyst commentary across multiple platforms indicates that he will likely generate significant attention from clubs seeking running back depth on the waiver wire.
As noted by the staff at Pro Football Network and mirrored in analyses by Sports Illustrated, young talents cut down during final roster configurations often find rapid traction elsewhere as teams finalize their practice squads and active 53-man groupings. For the Dallas Cowboys, closing the chapter on Jaydon Blue marks a calculated gamble on internal depth, leaving the player looking toward his next chapter in professional football.
