Jaydon Blue is pushing for more reps in 2026

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 30: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Dallas Cowboys runs with the ball during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields on July 30, 2026 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys have set up shop for training camp in Oxnard, California. Like there always is at this time of year, there were plenty of things to monitor as the Cowboys look to get back to playoffs for the first time since 2023. One of them is the progression of running back Jaydon Blue.

When Blue came to Dallas a year ago after being drafted in the fifth round out of Texas, there were expectations that he would be a contributor immediately. Unfortunately, Blue struggled with things like consistency and maturity, which are vital parts of being a professional. With that said, Cowboys’ head coach Brian Schottenheimer marveled about the growth of Blue this offseason last month during OTAs .

All of that is excellent, but Blue still came to Oxnard needing an outstanding camp as he battles for RB2 reps behind Javonte Williams. In the first two days of practice, Blue has done just that.

Blue’s explosiveness is his biggest attribute. During the first practice Wednesday, he displayed that by breaking off touchdown run of over 40 yards. It continued on Thursday when Blue made a nice cutback run for another huge gain.

Jaydon Blue pic.twitter.com/vkHhApDWf8

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 29, 2026

Jaydon Blue breaking out into the open for the second day in a row pic.twitter.com/vsJv4CXmqi

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 30, 2026

This is what Blue has to do. Stack good days on top of good days. His talent is undeniable, anyone can see that. However, availability and consistency are the two most important things for any player, and Blue is taking the right steps to bring those things together. Williams had a very good season in 2025, but he had to shoulder such a load that he did wear down some as the season came to an end. That’s what makes the development of Blue so important.

He’s a weapon that can flip the field with one touch due to his speed. It’s a perfect complement to Williams and his tough and gritty running style. He’s the type of asset that can take an offense that’s already one of the better units in the league to an even higher level. In addition to giving Williams less of a load, Blue’s progression gives quarterback Dak Prescott another guy that he can count on in the running game to make his job easier. This will allow him to carve up opposing defenses with play-action, which is something he does extremely well.

Blue won’t win more reps easily, especially with guys like Phil Mafah and Malik Davis looking to get on the field as well. Nonetheless, if Blue’s trajectory keeps trending upward, he’s going to see the field quite a bit in 2026.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →