Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: RB Phil Mafah

"It was no secret that the Cowboys needed RB help from their 2025 draft class. The primary back in 2024 was Rico Dowdle, who'd turned his breakout year into a free agent deal from the Panthers. Behind him was Ezekiel Elliott: a failed reunion that ended with Zeke being released before the end of the regular season. Dallas had pulled a couple of veteran free agents off the perceived scrap heap with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. But there was valid concerns about both, leaving RB as a high draft priority."

"To the surprise and chagrin of many, Dallas didn't draft a RB until Day 3. They took Jaydon Blue with one of their fifth-round picks, and some might've assumed that would be it for the day. But later that afternoon, they also added Mafah to the mix. With Blue being a true speedster, Mafah was a nice alternative as power-based, bowling ball style of runner."

"Over the summer, Williams emerged as the clear starter and left everyone else fighting for reserve duties. Mafah was doing well in that process, drawing good reports from camp and showing well in preseason games. But a shoulder injury led to Mafah being placed on IR just a day after final cuts. Dallas thought enough of the rookie to retain the option to bring him back during the season, but that didn't happen until their Week 18 finale."

"Would Mafah had made the 53 without the injury? It's hard to say. Dallas was more invested in Jaydon Blue's immediate development as the higher pick, and a better complement to Williams. But even after Miles Sanders went out with injury, Dallas elected to bring Malik Davis off the practice squad rather than activate Mafah."

Dallas needed running back help in 2025 after Rico Dowdle left and Ezekiel Elliott was released. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were added, but concerns remained, making running back a high draft priority. Dallas drafted Jaydon Blue on Day 3 and later added Phil Mafah as a power-style runner. Williams became the clear starter, leaving backup spots open. Mafah performed well in camp and preseason, but a shoulder injury placed him on injured reserve shortly after final cuts. Dallas retained the option to activate him later, but he was not brought back until the Week 18 finale, and Malik Davis was preferred after Sanders’ injury.

Read at Blogging The Boys