Cowboys $13 Million Former Touted Player Remains in Doghouse

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to get their first win of the season against NFC East foe New York Giants in Week 2. Dallas will take the field without several players, including a few notable veterans.
Just like Week 1, former first-round pick Mazi Smith and rookie running back Jaydon Blue were made inactive against the Giants. After starting 17 games for the Cowboys in 2024, Smith has fallen out of favor with the team’s coaching staff. Cornerback DaRon Bland is also sidelined with a foot injury.
“I’m not going to put a timetable on it, I think he’ll get back as soon as he can, but we will be without him this week.” Schottenheimer said of Bland, per DallasCowboys.com.
Here’s what you need to know as the Cowboys take on the Giants.
The Cowboys Will Face Giants QB Russell Wilson Who Was Not Benched After Week 1
Giants fans are already on watch for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. The wait will be a bit longer as the Giants are once again going with veteran Russell Wilson despite his underwhelming performance in Week 1.
“After a game — it’s an emotional game, tough game,” Giants head caoch Brian Daboll explained on September 8, per NFL.com’s Kevin Patra. “Didn’t play particularly well, I would say collectively, but in terms of making any of those decisions — really at any position or schematic changes — I’d like to do it with a clear head and watch the tape.
“Again, like I said yesterday, that game doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson. We got to do a better job collectively; coaching, playing. But Russ will be the starter.”
The Giants Are 4.5-Point Underdogs vs. Cowboys in NFL Week 2 Odds
Dallas enters this Week 2 clash as a 4.5-point favorite versus New York in the NFL odds, per FanDuel. The Cowboys lost 24-20 to the Eagles in Week 1, but covered the 7-point spread.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus wants the Cowboys prepared for Wilson to be a threat with his legs.
“Last week’s quarterback was certainly a challenge for that,” Eberflus noted, per WFAA. “It’s been a challenge for everybody. And once, you know, we have the same challenge this week.
“You got a guy that’s got great experience, very accurate thrower, can move in the pocket, can flush out and make throws on their arm and all those things. So could be a great challenge for us, in light of what happened last week. So we’re excited about the challenge.”
Former 1st-Round Pick Mazi Smith Is Not Longer in Cowboys Rotation Despite $13 Million Contract
Smith’s four-year, $13.2 million rookie contract is slated to go through the 2026 season. Not only is Smith not part of the rotation, but the defensive tackle is struggling to make the active roster.
It remains to be seen how Dallas will handle his future with the team. Given the Cowboys need at defensive tackle, it is not a great sign Smith is not on the active roster on gameday. It is hard to imagine Smith has trade value around the NFL given his current status.
After a Strong Training Camp, Rookie RB Jaydon Blue Cannot Crack the Cowboys Rotation
Blue is a little more confusing given the rookie appeared to have a strong training camp. The rookie had been a fantasy football sleeper with the Cowboys starting running back job looking up for grabs.
Yet, Javonte Williams appears to have a strong hold of the gig with Miles Sanders earning carries as well. It is still worth watching to see if Blue eventually can earn carries.