After a strong start to his rookie training camp, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue saw his practice time in Oxnard, California, cut short after suffering a bruised bone in his heel that forced him to miss over two weeks.
Now, as the team prepares for its final preseason matchup against the Atlanta Falcons at 7 p.m. Friday at AT&T Stadium, Blue is back to full health in time to take advantage of just one exhibition opportunity.
“It was a rough two weeks sitting out, not being able to be out there and showcase my skills,” Blue said. “It feels good to be back out here.”
Cowboys running backs’ roles in question
Blue knows he has to shine on Friday night to earn a feature role on the Cowboys’ offense. With Javonte Williams all but locked in as the starting running back, just the backup spot remains as a point of contention with Blue, Miles Sanders and fellow rookie Phil Mafah.
Blue is confident he can deliver after doing so at the start of training camp.
“I also think that I was having a great camp before I went down,” he said. “I know a lot of these guys and coaches know what I can do on the football field, but I’m just ready to showcase that in the game Friday.”
Even though competition has been closely contested in the running back room throughout the offseason, Blue has enjoyed seeing some other backs shine while he’s been on the sideline. In a room that has prioritized connection over everything else, he’s found himself cheering on his direct competitors.
“It’s also fun to see those other guys play,” he said. “It’s a blessing to see other guys in your room be able to do great things. ... We’re really connected in that room. I lean on a lot of those older guys whenever I need something. They’re there to help me. We’re willing to help one another with whatever it is.”
Jaydon Blue likely to make roster
When the roster is cut from 91 players down to 53 next Tuesday, not only will be jobs be up for grabs, but so will valued placements on the depth chart. Blue is all but a lock to make the roster, but his placement on the depth chart remains a question.
He sees big value in anyone that bets on him, including his coaches.
“I just think I bring a lot of things to the table,” Blue said. “Not only at the running back position, but in the passing game. I say, control what you can control. I just lean on letting God do a lot of things, and I just try my best to perform the way I do on the field, so I can make that job easy on the coaches.”