Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters Friday that rookie running back Jaydon Blue got blisters during Thursday’s practice as a result of wearing Louis Vuitton Nike cleats.
Schottenheimer called it a “little questionable decision,” but noted that the blisters weren’t as bad as they could have been, and that Blue was able to continue practicing after changing into different cleats.
Per ESPN’s Todd Archer, Blue is expected to make his NFL regular-season debut against the New York Jets on Sunday, potentially as a kick returner and backup to starting running back Javonte Williams.
No. 2 running back Miles Sanders has been dealing with knee and ankle injuries this week, and Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News reported that he did not practice Friday for a third consecutive day.
That suggests Sanders will likely be inactive Sunday, opening the door for Blue to finally suit up.
The Cowboys selected Blue in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft after he played three collegiate seasons at the University of Texas.
Blue enjoyed his best season by far in 2024, rushing for 730 yards and eight touchdowns, while also flashing as a pass-catcher with 42 receptions for 368 yards and another six scores.
There was some thought that Blue could compete for and win the starting running back job in training camp, but he dealt with an ankle injury that set him back.
Williams has been the unquestioned No. 1 back for the Cowboys thus far, rushing 63 times for 312 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 16 passes for 74 yards in four games.
Sanders has 28 touches in his own right, and the only other running back to touch the ball is Hunter Luepke, who is more of a fullback than a halfback.
If Sanders doesn’t play for the 1-2-1 Cowboys on Sunday, Blue figures to get at least some run within the offense as a change-of-pace back behind Williams.
It could also set the stage for Malik Davis to get elevated from the practice squad. Davis appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys in 2022 and three in 2023 before spending last season on the practice squad.
