The Dallas Cowboys sent a strong message this week when head coach Brian Schottenheimer explained why Malik Davis jumped ahead of Jaydon Blue in the running back rotation. Schottenheimer made it clear that Davis earned the job because he helps the team in multiple ways, while Blue is still learning what it takes to stay active on game day.
This was the latest sign that Blue is not viewed as a complete contributor yet. The rookie came into the season with hype from his college career at Texas, but the NFL has exposed the areas he still needs to grow in. Schottenheimer said it plainly. If Blue wants to play, he has to help the team in ways that go beyond carrying the ball. Until then, Davis is ahead of him because he fills more roles and makes the roster easier to manage.
Cowboys Clarify Why They Leaned on Davis Over Jaydon Blue
Head coach Schottenheimer explained that the team has been heavy at linebacker, corner and defensive line. Per The Athletic’s Jon Machota, what Schottenheimer said was, “It’s really everything. When you get to sometimes that second and third back and we’re carrying a little heavy at some other positions, whether it’s linebacker or corner or defensive linemen, you’re a little bit short in some areas. But it’s really both phases, offense and special teams.” But he did not stop there.
HC also added, “Malik has done an incredible job since he’s gotten back. He’s a personal protector. He’s doing a great job. I think he’s on three of the four core special teams units. He’s running well. He and Jaydon will continue to compete. But right now, when you’re looking at the two, that’s where Jaydon has to understand, until you’re the guy, which at some point hopefully he is the guy, you’ve got to be able to impact the game in other ways. I think he understands that.”
“Jaydon is learning a lot about this league. He’s always going to continue to compete and put his best foot forward. He doesn’t have to like the decision if it goes against him to play someone else, but he’s got to make sure he’s always prepared to go play,” he said lastly.
Davis fits the Cowboys roster needs because he plays on three of the four core special teams units and serves as a personal protector. Blue does not have that yet, which is why he has been squeezed out. It is a tough truth, but it is the reality of the NFL.
Blue’s situation has been building for weeks. As reported by Pro Football Network, he has appeared in only a handful of games and has touched the ball very little this season. He has not carved out a reliable role and has even been a healthy scratch. The Cowboys prefer players who can do more than one job, especially at the bottom of the roster. And Blue is still trying to prove he can become that type of player.
According to a report by PFSN, Blue appeared in only four games and logged just 22 carries for 65 yards and one reception for five yards this season. By contrast, veteran Javonte Williams has handled 139 carries for 716 yards and eight touchdowns, making the case for Blue’s limited use even stronger. On special teams as a returner, he has 3 kick returns for 72 yards, averaging 24 yards per return.
This matters because it shows exactly where he stands in the running back room. Dallas wants him to grow, but they will not hand him the job based on potential. He must show he can help on special teams and be trusted in other phases. Davis did that. Blue has not. Schottenheimer’s comments make that divide very clear. Throughout the 2025 season, Davis has carried the ball 7 times this season for 26 rushing yards, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt, and he has no rushing touchdowns so far, per the franchise’s official website.
Going forward, the pressure is now on Blue to adjust. If he can add value on special teams and show more consistency in practice, he can climb back into the rotation. If he does not make those changes, the Cowboys will continue to lean on Davis. This decision was not a small one. It was the strongest public warning Blue has received in his young career.