Cowboys Hit by Shock: Miles Sanders Done for 2025 Season

In a devastating turn of events for the Dallas Cowboys, veteran running back Miles Sanders has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season due to significant knee and ankle injuries.

The franchise announced the news on Friday, confirming that Sanders will be placed on season-ending injured reserve, effectively closing the chapter on what had begun as a promising tenure with the team.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones shared the grim news during a radio appearance, expressing his disappointment: “We just found out we’re gonna lose Sanders for the year, our running back.”

This announcement sent shockwaves through the fanbase and the organization, as Sanders had shown flashes of brilliance in his short time with the team.

Before his injuries, Sanders had made a notable impact on the Cowboys’ offense.

In just four games, he accumulated 117 rushing yards on 20 carries, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry.

He also contributed in the passing game, recording eight receptions for 30 yards and scoring one touchdown.

His versatility and ability to change the pace of the game made him a valuable asset to the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.

Reports indicate that Sanders’ knee injury is the more severe of the two ailments.

He is expected to undergo a chondral tissue graft procedure, which involves bone and cartilage transplantation to repair joint damage.

This type of surgery is similar to the procedure Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs underwent earlier this year, highlighting the seriousness of Sanders’ condition.

Sanders had been playing through considerable swelling and pain, ultimately missing the Week 5 game due to injuries to both his knee and ankle.

Although he attempted to practice midweek, he left early, signaling that his injuries were not improving.

This setback is particularly alarming given Sanders’ history of ankle troubles; he missed time in 2024 with similar issues, raising concerns about his long-term durability.

With Sanders sidelined, the Cowboys’ backfield depth faces significant pressure.

Javonte Williams, who has already been handling a heavy workload, now becomes the undisputed lead back.

Williams has shown promise, but the burden of carrying the rushing attack will undoubtedly increase.

The intrigue now shifts to the rookie, Jaydon Blue, who is expected to step into the No.2 role behind Williams.

Blue has seen limited action thus far, recording just 7 yards on 4 carries in his debut.

However, the coaching staff believes in his explosiveness and potential to contribute significantly in Sanders’ absence.

Additionally, Malik Davis, currently on the practice squad, is being considered for promotion, while Hunter Luepke may play a role in hybrid or short-yardage situations.

The coaching staff will need to adjust their offensive schemes to account for Sanders’ absence, potentially shifting from plays that relied on his burst and agility to more inside power runs or committee sets to lessen the load on Williams.

For Sanders, this injury could have lasting implications beyond the 2025 season.

Having signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in March, his performance—or lack thereof—will weigh heavily in contract discussions next spring.

At 28 years old and with a history of injuries, teams will scrutinize his medical reports closely.

The key questions remain: Will he return to full form? Can he maintain his durability?

If his recovery is successful, there is still hope for a comeback.

However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and this season-ending injury represents a significant setback in his career trajectory.

From a team perspective, losing Sanders undermines the offensive balance the Cowboys had hoped to maintain.

He provided a change-of-pace option and served as a reliable pass-catching threat out of the backfield.

Now, those responsibilities will largely fall on Williams and the untested backups.

This shift in dynamics also affects the Cowboys’ game planning.

Opposing defenses may focus more aggressively on Williams, challenging the Cowboys to prove they can produce on third downs and in passing situations.

With an unproven depth chart behind him, the team risks fatigue and vulnerabilities late in games.

Moreover, the front office must consider salary cap implications, roster adjustments, and the potential need to acquire free agents or make trades to fill the void left by Sanders.

The pressure is on to act quickly and decisively.

The loss of Miles Sanders hits like a gut punch for the Cowboys.

A veteran signed to bolster the backfield and showing promise is now sidelined for the entirety of the season.

Fans are left grappling with frustration and concern: Can this team still contend for a championship with a depleted running game?

Should Jaydon Blue or Malik Davis emerge as unexpected contributors, it may soften the blow.

However, the ripple effects of Sanders’ injury are undeniable—his contributions, the team’s offensive scheme, roster depth, and contract ramifications are all disrupted by this brutal setback.

In football, injuries are an unfortunate reality, but when a key player goes down, everything changes.

For the Cowboys, the 2025 season may hinge on their ability to adapt and whether Sanders can reclaim his place in the league upon recovery.

The journey ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Cowboys will have to navigate this challenging landscape without one of their most promising weapons.