Mazi Smith being a healthy scratch in Week 1 raised some eyebrows, but it wasn’t all that unexpected as he was clearly on the fringe of the 53-man roster. Jaydon Blue, on the other hand, being a healthy scratch sent shockwaves through the Dallas Cowboys fan base.
Blue got banged up in training camp with an ankle injury, and he re-injured the same ankle again in preseason. It was speculated that Blue didn't suit up because Brian Schottenheimer didn't want the rookie to continue ramping up on a wet field.
It turns out there aren't any concerns about Blue's health. Schottenheimer was asked why Blue was inactive and it all but confirms Cowboys fans' worst fears.
Cowboys fans may want to temper their Jaydon Blue expectations
"Young players, it hits at different times. He’s extremely talented. … You have to earn your chance to get out there. There has to be consistency," Schottenheimer said.
Schottenheimer used the word “consistency” to explain why he benched Mazi Smith. And while Blue looked far more consistent than Smith during training camp and preseason, it’s likely Schottenheimer was referring to the nuances of the position.
Whether it’s pass protection, mastering the playbook, or simply knowing where to line up in certain formations, that’s likely the only reason Blue didn’t see the field in Week 1. The Texas product is clearly the Cowboys’ most explosive runner, so if he’s not playing, it’s because he’s falling short in the details that don’t show up in the box score.
RELATED: Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer didn’t hold back about benching Mazi Smith
Dane Brugler of The Athletic heard before the 2025 draft that Blue has to "learn how to be a professional." In that same vein, Cowboys assistant Glenn "Stretch" Smith spoke to coaches over the summer who believe the former Longhorn is "borderline lazy."
It turns out those concerns weren’t unfounded. If fans can recognize Blue’s talent, you can bet Schottenheimer and his staff do, too. The first-year head coach wouldn’t sideline a playmaker like Blue unless he felt it was necessary to send a message.
While Javonte Williams was awesome in Week 1, Miles Sanders should arguably his benched after his costly red zone fumble. Unfortunately, that won't happen until Blue shows some improvement.