Cowboys' fans are anxiously awaiting the debut of rookie running back Jaydon Blue.
After being drafted in the fifth round out of Texas the expectation was that Blue would make an immediate impact. He was even compared to Darren Sproles by head coach Brian Schottenheimer during training camp.
Three weeks into the season and he still hasn't seen the field. Schottenheimer gave an explanation ahead of Week 4 against the Packers as to why Blue hasn't been active.
Brian Schottenheimer's explanation for Jaydon Blue not being active
Here's what Brian Schottenheimer had to say when asked on 105.3 The FAN about Jaydon Blue's progress.
“Jaydon’s actually put together a couple really good weeks of practice. He has. We challenged him, we talked to him about consistency, working harder on the scout team and things like that, man it’s huge. Give him credit, he’s been terrific," Schottenheimer said.
So why has he not seen the field? According to the head coach, some injuries on the defensive side of the ball have forced Blue to remain sidelined.
"Unfortunately, we’ve been a little bit heavier on the defensive side when you look at the roster construction on game day… in no way, shape or form is Jaydon doing things that would not allow him to be activated, it’s been more of the fact that we’ve needed the numbers with some of the injuries and stuff on defense," Schottenheimer added.
It makes more sense as a numbers game than anything else. Blue is an explosive athlete that could add a lot to the Cowboys rushing attack but with veterans like Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams ahead of him, he wouldn't get many snaps.
Dallas has been grappling with injuries to CB DaRon Bland, OG Tyler Booker, C Cooper Beebee, and WR CeeDee Lamb. Those are just the notable names.
With all the roles being filled there hasn't been enough room on the gameday roster to include Blue.
In the end this is good news for the Cowboys. Blue is progressing the way the coaches want but they just need to get healthier before he can take meaningful snaps.
There are better days ahead for fans of the rookie running back.
MORE: Jaydon Blue hasn't played a snap for the Cowboys for these 3 reasons