Deuce Vaughn absence opens door for heralded Cowboys rookie to shine

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn was absent from training camp practice on Sunday afternoon, but the open door allowed a rookie to shine bright in Oxnard.

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn during training camp at the River Ridge Fields in Oxnard. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys strapped up on Sunday afternoon for the first practice in full pads this season. The 'Boys were energized and ready to go as training camp in Oxnard ramped up the intensity.

Unfortunately for running back Deuce Vaughn, he was absent from the session. Vaughn was nursing a hamstring injury on his left leg.

According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, it is a "similar injury as last year, but he said it’s not as serious," and he is not expected to miss significant time.

MORE: Brian Schottenheimer raves about talent, 'professionalism' of Cowboys' rookie

But, in Vaughn's absence, the door was open for highly-touted rookie Jaydon Blue to see more reps, and he took advantage of the opportunity.

Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Blue was consistently breaking off big runs and making defenders miss during the open session.

MORE: 5 Cowboys stars who still need contract extensions after Jake Ferguson deal

The Texas Longhorns product showed off his acceleration and hit the hole at top speed before making defenders miss on the second level with a simple cut.

Jaydon Blue is going to have a impact on this offense

pic.twitter.com/NsMwxB7ugB

— Shane (@Shane_8804) July 27, 2025

Blue even showed off his skills as a receiver out of the backfield, which should come as no surprise.

MORE: Cowboys' Jaydon Blue stands out with 'best catch of camp' in first week

Throughout the draft process, Blue was widely regarded as one of the best pass-catching backs in this year's class.

Jaydon Blue out of the backfield, via @jonmachota:pic.twitter.com/5qqLtkZPHo

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) July 27, 2025

All in all, Blue has been making the most out of his first week of camp in Oxnard.

While he is not expected to start the season as the starter, he will have every opportunity to impact the game and carve out a larger role in the offense as the season goes on.

MORE: Cowboys' offseason breakout star taken to locker room with apparent leg injury

As Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram said, "Hard to ask for a much better first week of camp from Jaydon Blue."

Remember when someone claimed the coaching staff thought he was "borderline lazy"? Fun times. That's why we let players, especially rookies, prove themselves before floating baseless rumors.

Hard to ask for a much better first week of camp from Jaydon Blue pic.twitter.com/YhmnoNola4

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 27, 2025

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