Jaydon Blue has provided the Dallas Cowboys with plenty of reasons to be excited about his potential throughout training camp.
The second-year running back has routinely flashed the explosiveness that made him an intriguing fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Blue has ripped off several long runs during camp and entered the summer with an opportunity to establish himself as the primary backup behind Javonte Williams.
However, one familiar problem could prevent Blue from securing the RB2 job: fumbling.
Blue reportedly put the football on the ground multiple times during Tuesday’s joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams. Blue’s fumbling has been an issue throughout practices and could potentially put his standing on the depth chart in jeopardy.
For a player trying to earn the coaching staff’s trust, the timing couldn’t be much worse.
Ball security has followed Blue since Texas
Blue’s fumbling struggles aren’t a new development.
During his final season at Texas, Blue established himself as a dynamic weapon, finishing with 1,098 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdown while averaging 6.2 yards per touch. But his production came with a significant drawback.
Blue fumbled seven times over his final two collegiate seasons, including five during the 2024. Blue would average one fumble every 25 touches that season.
That concern has now followed him into the NFL.
Blue also struggled to establish himself during his rookie season. He appeared in just fives games, and a fumble against Denver contributed to him falling down the depth chart.
That’s what makes his recent problems concerning. A single training camp fumble could easily be dismissed. Multiple instances combined with Blue’s history suggest Dallas has something it needs to monitor closely.
Cowboys can’t ignore Blue’s explosiveness
Despite the turnovers, Blue has arguably been one of Dallas’ most exciting offensive players during camp.
His speed provides something different from Williams and the other running backs competing for touches.
Blue has consistently created explosive plays during practices, including several runs of at least 40 yards. If Dallas wants more big-play potential out of its backfield, Blue possesses the skill set to provide it.
Running backs can miss a blocking assignment or make the wrong read and potentially recover on the next snap. Fumbles can immediately change games.
That’s especially problematic for a backup running back trying to earn more opportunities.
RB2 competition is far from over
Blue appeared capable of separating himself in the competition behind Williams, but his recent struggles could reopen the door Phil Mafah, Malik Davis and Israel Abanikanda.
Abanikanda has been identified as potentially the most complete running back Dallas has behind Williams and I question whether the Cowboys eventual No. 2 option is currently on the roster.
That makes Dallas’ preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks even more important for Blue.
He doesn’t need to break off a 50-yard tocuhdown every time he touches the ball. He needs to show the coaching staff that his explosiveness can come without unnecessary risk.
Blue still has the talent to win the RB2 job.
But if the fumbling continues, the Cowboys might decide his big-play potential isn’t worth the possibility of giving the football away.
