Jaydon Blue envisions his NFL debut as he returns from an ankle injury, and the Cowboys are letting the rookie ramp up for a preseason showdown with the Falcons. He’s been visualizing the moment on the sideline, and with full-pads practice this week, Dallas CBT staff have grown more confident he’ll play Friday. Blue was already getting first-team reps before his injury, a sign the coaching staff believes he can contribute once healthy.

Dallas’ backfield is crowded and rotating, with Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Phil Mafah, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis handling the bulk of carries in the early games. Blue is eager to show what he can do in game action, insisting there are no limitations. His return could add another dynamic element to an already-competitive room, especially if he earns a role on early downs or as a pass-catching option in the screen game.

Overall, the plan is to evaluate his ceiling in the preseason finale while maintaining caution around workload. A productive showing could accelerate a path to meaningful snaps, but the logjam at running back will require consistent and standout play from Blue to unlock a regular-season role.

Malik Davis exploded onto the Cowboys’ summer scene in the preseason opener vs Rams, rushing seven times for 63 yards and delivering a 16-yard burst in the fourth. An undrafted Florida product who’s spent three seasons in Dallas, he seized a rare chance as Dallas’ backfield dealt with injuries, including rookie Jaydon Blue’s ankle issue and Miles Sanders’ knee treatment. Davis’s day wasn’t just about yardage; it showed a player who can blend familiarity with Schottenheimer’s system with quick, on-the-fly learning of new plays.

In roughly 36 hours, Davis became the Cowboys’ leading rusher, turning opportunity into momentum as the backfield remains wide open. He spoke of belonging and maximizing his chance, while Schottenheimer praised him, saying, “He had a hell of a day.” The episode underscored a real competition angle for fantasy managers: if the backfield continues to be unsettled by injuries, Davis could carve out meaningful role potential behind a shifting roster.

Roster adjustments are underway for the Dallas Cowboys as they waive four players, including running back Malik Davis and linebacker Brock Mogensen. The team is also focused on the rehabilitation of cornerback Trevon Diggs, who is recovering from a second ACL injury. Owner Jerry Jones has raised concerns about Diggs' commitment to his past rehab and emphasized the importance of diligence in his current recovery process.

The Cowboys signed several undrafted free agents, with tight end Rivaldo Fairweather showing promising potential to secure a roster spot. Meanwhile, Kentucky's Zion Childress is a versatile defensive back aiming to make an impact in training camp.

Offensive line coach Duke Manyweather continues to cultivate talent in Dallas, contributing to the team's successful draft class. Recent power rankings suggest that the Cowboys have improved but still face challenges in integrating new players into their system, particularly under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

In a significant move to make space for the incoming rookie class after the 2025 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys have cut four players from their roster, with running back Malik Davis being the most notable name among them. Davis, who originally joined Dallas as an undrafted rookie in 2022, saw limited playtime in subsequent seasons, rushing for only 161 yards in 12 games during his rookie season and not appearing at all in 2024. Alongside Davis, offensive linemen Earl Bostick and Jack Anderson, along with linebacker Brock Mogensen, were also waived.

Following the draft, where the Cowboys selected two running backs, their roster now features a more competitive backfield comprising rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, along with established players like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Deuce Vaughn remains the only back from the previous season in the mix. As the Cowboys reshape their roster, the new configurations will undoubtedly impact their offensive strategies and overall performance in the upcoming season.