Cowboys running back Miles Sanders will miss the rest of the 2025 season due to knee and ankle injuries suffered in Dallas’ Week 4 tie with the Packers.
On Friday, team executive and co-owner Stephen Jones made the announcement on 105.3 The Fan (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota), adding that Sanders would need surgery on his knee. Specifically, he is expected to need a chondral tissue graft, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs underwent a similar procedure in January.
Sanders was Dallas’ No. 2 running back to start the season behind bell-cow starter Javonte Williams. Though he was not a featured part of the offense, Sanders recorded 20 carries for 117 yards while catching all eight of his targets across his eight appearances. His touches will likely go to Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round pick out of Texas. The Cowboys raised some eyebrows by designating Blue as a healthy scratch for his first four games, but he was active in Week 5 with Sanders sidelined. An injury to his veteran teammate will give the rookie running back his first expanded opportunities in the NFL, though Blue will still be a clear second-fiddle to Williams.
“We’re so fired up about what Jaydon Blue can do for this offense,” said Jones.
Sanders, meanwhile, is on a one-year deal for close to the veteran minimum. He will have to rehab in Dallas before he hits free agency next spring ahead of his age-29 season. He will likely need to take a ‘prove it’ deal to show that he can come back from a major injury and surgery as he approaches the traditional running back brightline of 30 years old.
The Cowboys are expected to move Sanders to season-ending injured reserve, though they have yet to officially make the move.