The Dallas Cowboys had some dominant performances in their 34-13 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals, but one stood out from the rest.
Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue showed his skills in the backfield with an impressive performance. Blue finished with 15 carries for 75 yards in the win.
Dallas is trying to decide what to do at running back with Blue playing so well. While many believed he might have secured the RB2 job, that might not be the case…for now.
Dallas Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue Might Not Be the Backup At the Moment
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 04: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a first quarter touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 04, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The Athletic Cowboys reporter Jon Machota shared his analysis of how each of the big position battles went in the Cardinals game. Machota pointed out Blue’s great performance, but it might not be enough.
“Javonte Williams is the obvious lead back. He’s had a good camp and looks ready to repeat the strong season he had a year ago. But the No. 2 spot has been a competition the last four weeks with no one really separating themselves.
Malik Davis seems to be the player with whom the Cowboys are most comfortable in that role at the moment. He started Saturday and played well, carrying five times for 29 yards and catching one pass for an 8-yard touchdown. But Jaydon Blue, who has the higher upside, also played well after Davis came out of the game. Blue carried 15 times for a game-high 75 yards, putting his quickness and athleticism on display. The Cowboys just need to see more consistency from the second-year player.
My prediction is that Davis starts the season as the No. 2 back but Blue takes it over during the season. The Cowboys should end up keeping four running backs: Williams, Davis, Blue and Hunter Luepke.”
Davis had a solid performance in the preseason to put himself in the conversation at RB2. He rushed 5 times for 29 yards and caught an 8-yard touchdown pass.
Dallas selected Blue with their fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, he rushed 38 times for 129 yards and 1 touchdown in five games played.
Jaydon Blue Might Have to Earn Cowboys’ Backup RB Job
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 04: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a first quarter touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 04, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
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