Cowboys Open 3-Game Preseason Against Seahawks as RB2, WR4 Battles Intensify

Q: Will Jaydon Blue’s explosive speed outweigh his costly fumbles, or will a dark horse steal the Cowboys' RB2 role?

Jaydon Blue still looks like the favorite for Dallas’ RB2 job, but only if he stops putting the ball on the ground. His explosiveness is real and rare in this backfield; camp reports consistently describe him as the home-run threat behind Javonte Williams, and the Cowboys have given him every chance to claim the role. But his fumble issues have been persistent, not isolated, stretching from college into his first two NFL seasons and resurfacing repeatedly in camp and joint practices. That makes Saturday’s preseason opener a meaningful test. Blue does not need another long highlight run as much as he needs a clean, dependable night. For a backup running back, coaches will value ball security and trust over splash plays. If he fumbles again, his speed may no longer outweigh the risk. The most credible dark horse is Israel Abanikanda. Multiple reports around camp describe him as one of the more complete backs on the roster and a strong fit in Klayton Adams’ scheme. He offers speed too, but with more size and power than Blue, and he has return-game experience that could help his roster case. Phil Mafah also remains in the mix, especially as a sturdier stylistic backup to Williams, while Malik Davis has the trust factor and special teams value. So the job is still Blue’s to win, but it is far from secure. If he protects the ball, his speed likely keeps him at RB2. If not, Abanikanda appears best positioned to steal it.

3 articles · Updated · DallasCowboys.com · Aug 14

Dallas opens its 3-game preseason Saturday against Seattle, giving young players and roster hopefuls their first live chance to separate in battles at QB2, RB2 and depth spots.
Jaydon Blue enters as a key RB2 watch because his speed stands out, but ball security remains the issue that could decide whether he claims the role.
Justin Barron and LT Overton have built momentum in camp — Barron with 3 interceptions in a joint practice against the Rams, Overton by earning first-team defensive reps as a fourth-round pick.
Michael Trigg, Anthony Smith and Alijah Clark also get a prime audition, with Trigg pushing for second-half snaps at tight end, Smith chasing a WR4 or WR5 job, and Clark returning quickly from an ankle scare into a crowded safety room.