It’s safe to say that Javonte Williams is back, and Dallas Cowboys fans are getting the best version of him yet.
Williams has taken the NFL by storm, ranking second with 592 rushing yards, which trails only Jonathan Taylor, who’s making an MVP case in Indianapolis. Williams has been punishing defenders, pushing through first and second contact to get every yard necessary. His physical running style has been a godsend, but it presents a bigger concern.
Williams is the obvious RB1, but if he goes down to injury, the running back room is alarmingly thin. Jaydon Blue hasn’t gotten the necessary reps to look comfortable even as a backup, at least not yet. Further, Phil Mafah and Miles Sanders are on Injured Reserve. A potential injury to Williams would throw off the entire balance of the offense.
Javonte Williams getting injured would kill Cowboys’ offensive momentum
A big reason why Dak Prescott is in the MVP conversation is that the offense has a great balance. Williams’ efficiency has both kept opposing defenses honest and allowed Brian Schottenheimer to sprinkle in play-action, where Prescott has thrived throughout his career.
If Williams goes down to an injury, all eyes would immediately be on rookie Jaydon Blue to help facilitate the offensive attack, but that’s concerning. Blue suffered an ankle injury during the preseason, and the Cowboys took a while to activate him in the regular season.
Blue’s speed is an ideal complement to Williams, but right now, he isn’t a good backup. In three games, the rookie from Texas has rushed 14 times for 36 yards, equating to just 2.6 yards per carry.
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Who else would be the answer if Williams were to go down? Phil Mafah is still on IR and has yet to play in the regular season, and Hunter Luepke is doing a fine job as a run blocker and special teams contributor. Asking Luepke to be a featured back is begging to end in disaster.
This would also put an even bigger burden on Prescott. It would add to the load he’s carrying already, thanks to the defensive woes.
Running backs take lots of hits, but let’s hope that the football gods keep Williams healthy this season. The alternative would put the Cowboys in a very precarious situation, which begs the question of whether they should make a small RB trade before the deadline.
