Cowboys Rookie Jaydon Blue Teases Explosive NFL Debut in Week 5: 'I'm Ready to Shock the World!'

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.”

Caleb Williams Poised to Rewrite Bears History After Bye Week

As the Chicago Bears head into their Week 5 bye, quarterback Caleb Williams is quietly making his case to become one of the franchise’s all-time greats. With a strong start to the 2025 season, Williams is already on track to achieve a feat that has eluded the Bears for decades—a 4,000-yard passing season.

After a rocky start to the season, the Bears now sit at 2-2, buoyed by back-to-back victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders. But it’s the play of Williams, the team’s first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, that has garnered the most attention. His calm under pressure and ability to make the big play when needed has energized the Bears and brought a sense of optimism that’s been absent for years.

A Rising Star in Chicago

Williams has already demonstrated his potential to become a future star in the NFL. His performance in Week 3, where he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 298 yards and four touchdowns against the Cowboys, set the stage for what’s shaping up to be an incredible rookie campaign. His poise and resilience were further on display in a thrilling 25–24 win over the Raiders, where he led a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes of the game.

While Chicago’s defense and special teams have played their part, it’s Williams’ playmaking ability that has brought the team to life. Through four games, Williams has racked up 927 passing yards, with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. At his current pace, he could break the 4,000-yard barrier, a feat that has never been accomplished by a Bears quarterback.

Breaking Bears Records

The Bears have had their fair share of talented quarterbacks, but none have been able to put up the kind of passing numbers that Williams is now chasing. The franchise has never had a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards in a season, and the thought of Williams becoming the first to do so is a tantalizing prospect for Bears fans who’ve seen a revolving door of quarterbacks over the years.

With 13 games left in the season, Williams is on track to achieve something that would be a major milestone not only for himself but for the team’s future. His success so far has led many to believe that the Bears have found their long-term answer at quarterback, something they’ve been searching for since the days of Sid Luckman.

Looking Ahead to the Second Half

After the bye week, the Bears will face a tough challenge against the Washington Commanders on October 13. But with Williams at the helm, there’s a sense of belief around the team that they can go toe-to-toe with any opponent.

Williams’ leadership is also beginning to shine through. Teammates have praised his maturity and ability to stay calm in critical moments. “Caleb doesn’t get rattled,” said Bears head coach Ben Johnson. “He has an understanding of the game that’s beyond his years. He’s the kind of leader this team needs.”

As the season progresses, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Williams, who is not just looking to break records, but to lead the Bears to a new era of success. With a bright future ahead, Bears fans are hoping that this is just the beginning of something truly special.

Key Stats for Caleb Williams:

Passing Yards: 927
Touchdowns: 8
Interceptions: 2
NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 3)

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