Cowboys Rookie Hypes HIS MUCH-ANTICIPATED DEBUT IN WEEK 5: Will He LIVE UP TO The Hype or Be A FLAMEOUT?! Fans Can’t WAIT for the Game-Changing Moment

It’s Week 5, and for many around the Cowboys, it’s been too long a wait to see what rookie running back Jaydon Blue, chosen in the fifth round of this year’s draft out of Texas, can do. Blue has blazing speed, no doubt, but a series of injuries and reports of questionable work habits have held him back thus far. But on Sunday against the Jets, Blue is finally ready to take the field for the first time for Dallas.

He went so far as to post the game time on his Instagram feed, writing, “12 pm tomorrow” with a fist emoji over a photo of himself. With the Cowboys‘ offense already dealing with CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin out, the team badly needs speed, and that’s Blue’s strong suit. Running back Miles Sanders, who was questionable for Sunday, will be inactive, according to the Cowboys.

The Cowboys will also be without star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and offensive lineman Tyler Booker and Tyler Guyton. Defensive tackle Jay Toia and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland rounded out Dallas’ inactive players with Blue active for the first time.

Jaydon Blue Ran a 4.38-Second 40

Blue made his mark last season for Texas with his versatility, rushing for 730 yards on 133 carries, and adding 368 yards receiving on 42 catches. He had 146 yards and two touchdowns for the Longhorns in their playoff win over Clemson, but was shut down in the next two games, going for just 20 yards on eight carries in the quarterfinals and semifinals.

But the Cowboys liked his speed coming out of college, with a 4.38 40-yard dash at the Combine, and felt he was a steal in the fifth round.

An ankle injury in training camp, the Cowboys‘ depth at running back and his practice habits kept Blue off the field, though, and he had been inactive to start the year.

Cowboys Wanted Better Practice Habits

Blue said that coach Brian Schottenheimer had spoken to him about changing his practice habits, though, and that began his push to break onto the 53-man roster on game day.

“Making sure I am finishing the right way in practices. Practicing hard,” Blue said Schottenheimer advised him. “Staying in the playbook and just making sure I am doing the small details right so I can be able to perform at the highest level. He talked to me maybe about two weeks ago and let me know that I need to be more consistent because the talent level was there.

“He told me to be more consistent. I just knew that in order to get on the field, I was going to have to change some of the things I did and just practice a little harder.”

Cowboys ‘Know I Have Talent’: Jaydon Blue

But Blue said slow-rolling his first game was also strategic.

“It was part of the plan. I am just excited that I finally get to go out there and showcase my skills,” he said.

The time off the field has not been easy, and it’s one reason he has been champing at the bit. “The love for the game I have, it’s been tough,” Blue said. “But it has also been fun seeing the other guys have fun and do what they do, so it’s been a blessing to be able to watch the older guys from the bench who have been doing it for a minute.”

Now, the advice from coaches has been more about how to handle his debut, not how to handle practices: “Go out there and play football. They know I have talent, they know I know what I am doing. Just go out there and have fun is the message they tell me. Don’t go out there and be tight, just go out and play the game the right way.”

Jayden Daniels Shines in Commanders’ 27–10 Victory Over Chargers, Dedicates Win to Fans

The Washington Commanders are back on track after a dominant 27–10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. After a disappointing loss the previous week, Washington rebounded in style with a commanding performance, thanks to the return of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who made his presence felt in his first game back from a three-week absence.

With this victory, the Commanders improved to 3–2, securing their first road win of the season. Daniels, who had been sidelined with an injury, showed no signs of rust, leading the offense with confidence and precision. His leadership, combined with a stellar defensive performance, helped Washington snap their two-game losing streak and set the stage for a strong second half of the season.

Jayden Daniels' Triumphant Return

Daniels wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s the future of the Commanders’ offense. He connected with wide receiver Deebo Samuel for a crucial touchdown, showing the chemistry that had been missing in his absence. More importantly, Daniels' poise under pressure helped the offense control the game’s tempo, taking advantage of key opportunities to keep the Chargers at bay.

"I've missed being out there with my guys," Daniels said after the game. "This win was for the fans, for the team, and for the people who stuck with us through the tough times. We came together, played our brand of football, and showed everyone what we’re capable of. It feels good to be back, but this is just the beginning. We’ve got bigger things ahead, and we’re not slowing down.”

Running Back Croskey-Merritt Stands Out

One of the standout performances came from running back Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt, who rushed for two touchdowns and accumulated 135 yards on the ground. His ability to break tackles and make defenders miss was a key factor in Washington’s offensive explosion, particularly in the second half, when the Commanders extended their lead.

Croskey-Merritt's dominance on the ground helped open up the passing game, and his physical running style played a significant role in keeping the Chargers’ defense on its heels throughout the game.

Defense Steps Up When It Matters Most

While the offense was on fire, it was Washington’s defense that truly set the tone for the victory. The Commanders limited the Chargers to just 10 points, with the defense forcing several key turnovers, including an interception by cornerback Marshon Lattimore and a crucial fumble recovery by safety Quan Martin in the second quarter.

Lattimore’s interception came at a pivotal moment, halting a potential scoring drive by the Chargers and allowing Washington to regain control of the game. The defense’s ability to make timely stops and create turnovers was a huge factor in the win.

Chargers Struggle to Find Rhythm

For the Chargers, this defeat marked their second straight loss after starting the season 3–0. Quarterback Justin Herbert struggled against Washington’s defense, throwing an interception in the red zone and failing to find a rhythm after the opening touchdown.

While the Chargers’ offense had its moments, the inability to consistently move the ball, combined with Washington’s stifling defense, led to their downfall. The Chargers’ ground game also faltered, as they were unable to contain Croskey-Merritt, who dominated with his physicality.

Looking Ahead for Washington

The win provides much-needed momentum for Washington as they prepare for a crucial Week 6 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. With Jayden Daniels back at the helm and the offense firing on all cylinders, the Commanders are in prime position to continue their climb in the NFC standings.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” Daniels said. “But this win shows what we’re capable of when we play as a team. We’re focused on the next challenge, and we’re ready for whatever comes our way.”

Key Stats:

Jayden Daniels (WAS): 225 yards, 1 touchdown
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS): 135 yards, 2 touchdowns
Deebo Samuel (WAS): 5 receptions, 67 yards, 1 touchdown
Justin Herbert (LAC): 255 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

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