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Blogging The Boys fantasy football takes on Phil Mafah
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Blogging The Boys about Phil Mafah.
40
Insights
24
Positive
7
Negative
Insight ledger
All Blogging The Boys insights about Phil Mafah
PositiveUsageAug 23, 2026
Mafah took his one carry of the night for a 15-yard touchdown, cutting back and reversing fields to the end zone on a play that wasn't drawn up as designed, providing a highlight in his battle for carries as a second-year back.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
The source identifies Mafah as a Stock Up player for his preseason touchdown on a single carry, but tempers expectations about his role. The source states 'Phil Mafah got one carry on the night, and he sure did make the most of it by cashing in for a score.' However, the source adds critical context: 'As awesome as this moment was, it is a bit telling that Mafah received only a single carry, especially given how much the team ran the ball in the second half. Any hope that he could grab the RB2 spot dissipated a while back, but he can definitely help in his own way.' This indicates Mafah is a reserve/role player, not a lead back.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
The second-year running back put himself back into the roster mix with an impressive individual run late in the fourth quarter. Mafah changed direction and scored a 15-yard touchdown run to close out the game, demonstrating he remains in contention despite potentially being the odd man out among Dallas's running back group.PositiveUsageAug 23, 2026
Phil Mafah scored a late fourth-quarter touchdown to seal the Cowboys' 34-13 win, demonstrating offensive involvement in the running back rotation late in the game.NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026
The second-year running back must prove effectiveness in live-action games to show the coaching staff he can provide an effective ground attack; potential and camp praise need to translate to preseason performance to earn a roster spot.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
Second-year Cowboys RB competing for RB2 role; currently limited in preseason practices with injury, reducing his opportunity to secure the backup job. Mafah was expected to make a big jump this offseason and brings Marshawn Lynch-type running style, but injury setback opens door for Malik Davis to compete for the RB2 role.NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026
Year-two seventh-round pick showed real development in camp with plus burst and decisiveness at line of scrimmage, a strength for 2025 seventh-round pick to feel good about; however, exited preseason game with rib injury and was limited in Monday practice, causing arrow to point down as camp grinds on; must fight way back into RB competition mix.NegativeInjuryAug 17, 2026
Limited in practice with rib injury; working back into practice after injury, indicating reduced availability and ongoing recovery from rib-related issue.NegativeUsageAug 17, 2026
Running back wasn't able to find many running lanes in preseason Week 1, as defenders were often meeting him near the line of scrimmage. The poor performance of the second-string offensive line created a challenging environment for the running game.NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026
Phil Mafah impressed in camp as a bruising power back with improved pass protection and ball security, but durability concerns have resurfaced. He suffered a chest injury early in the second half of Saturday's preseason game against Seattle and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. In live action, Mafah also struggled to find traction, getting stuck in the backfield when the running lanes were congested and unable to cut his way out. His 3.6 yards per carry last year combined with the durability issue and inability to perform in live action raise questions about his reliability as a backup option.NegativeBustAug 16, 2026
Second-year running back posted poor preseason performance with 9 yards on 4 carries (2.3 ypc), longest run just 4 yards. The source notes all eyes were on Mafah and fellow second-year back Jaydon Blue with hope one would shine, but neither did. Third-string backs Malik Davis and Israel Abanikanda both outperformed him, suggesting the RB2 job is wide open.PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
Physical running back competing for backup role behind Javonte Williams; preseason game offers showcase opportunity to demonstrate what he can do as he chases the backup running back job that remains wide open.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Had some moments in camp competing for the RB2 role behind Javonte Williams; Dallas still wants to see more from the backs behind Williams despite Mafah's camp performance.NegativeDepth ChartAug 15, 2026
Phil Mafah is competing in a very tight battle with Jaydon Blue for the backup RB2 role behind Javonte Williams; according to Brian Schottenheimer, the competition remains unresolved heading into the Seahawks preseason game.NegativeDepth ChartAug 13, 2026
Mafah is third on the Cowboys running back depth chart behind Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue. He is the more powerful, downhill mauler like Williams. While initially some thought Mafah was in the most trouble to make the team, he actually appears ahead of Malik Davis. Mafah does need to stack together a few really good games in the preseason to hold his spot ahead of Davis, but it looks like he's very much ahead.PositiveDepth ChartAug 12, 2026
Phil Mafah, last year's rookie running back draft pick, is listed at RB3 on the Cowboys' unofficial depth chart, reflecting the team's clear love for their recent RB draft class alongside Jaydon Blue at RB2.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Year-two RB in competition with Jaydon Blue for primary backup spot behind Javonte Williams; profiles similarly to Williams with power running. Cowboys OC Klayton Adams praised Mafah, saying 'the guy that probably doesn't get as much credit as he deserves right now is Phil.' Mafah has turned heads with long runs on a near-daily basis in camp and looked good between the tackles. Strong preseason reps could establish him as having a real role on Sundays this season, especially if he stays hot and becomes a preseason star.PositiveDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
The second-year RB has been impressive enough to probably secure a roster spot; the RB position group depth behind Williams is much deeper than expected and has been one of the bigger surprises for the Cowboys.PositiveBreakoutAug 6, 2026
Phil Mafah worked on explosiveness during the offseason and is showing positive results in camp; he and Blue are emerging as reliable backup options that could create matchup problems for opposing defenses.PositiveBreakoutAug 5, 2026
Mafah is one of the prospects drawing positive reports from Oxnard camp. He has shown nice vision and cutting ability in RB drills, and is competing for roster positioning alongside Israel Abanikanda. Both younger prospects are showing well enough to push Davis further down the depth chart.NegativeRoleAug 5, 2026
Running back is challenging for the RB2 spot but faces uncertainty about his role if Jaydon Blue has secured the second option behind Javonte Williams; his depth chart standing depends on whether he can outperform Malik Davis.PositiveBreakoutAug 3, 2026
Second-year running back entering 2026 after minimal rookie action (season finale only) is clearly more explosive in camp than a year ago and has made the RB2 competition with Jaydon Blue serious; he broke off a long touchdown and his similar build and running style to Javonte Williams could make him a downhill ball carrier option for short yardage and goal-line situations if he wins the backup role.PositiveUsageAug 2, 2026
Running back contributing to explosive Cowboys running game performance at training camp; the offense has been humming with accurate Prescott throws, contested catches from receivers, and a running game that has looked explosive, with Mafah and Jaydon Blue driving much of that success to some people's surprise.PositiveBreakoutAug 2, 2026
Seventh-round pick Phil Mafah is showing noticeably improved explosiveness at training camp compared to his draft profile. Originally drafted with a similar tough, downhill running style to starter Javonte Williams, Mafah has displayed an extra gear and increased burst in his movements at camp. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, his offseason work focused on explosiveness has paid off, and he could seriously challenge for significant playing time if he can consistently show this burst and stack good days while battling Jaydon Blue for RB2 duties.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Second-year RB getting RB2 carries in training camp and competing with Jaydon Blue for the backup role. Mafah has impressed with explosive plays, including a home-run off-tackle run on day two of practice, showing the kind of production the Cowboys are looking for in the 30% of carries not allocated to the lead back.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Second-year RB earning significant RB2 carries in early training camp practices; the source identifies Mafah as a surprise standout on opening practice day with a notable off-tackle run, and notes he is competing with Jaydon Blue for the RB2 role behind Williams, with the Cowboys looking to fill the 30% of carries not handled by the lead back.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Identified as potential number two back in Cowboys backfield; training camp performance highlights include running through Otito Ogbonnia tackle with physicality on his first carry and being hit by Malik Hooker, demonstrating physical toughness despite no pads being worn.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Identified as potential number two back in Cowboys backfield; training camp performance highlights include running through Otito Ogbonnia tackle with physicality on his first carry and absorbing a hit from Malik Hooker, demonstrating toughness and involvement in early camp action.NegativeUsageJul 30, 2026
Phil Mafah, competing for the backup running back role, suffered a costly fumble on Day 1 of training camp. After rotating in behind Javonte Williams and receiving a few handoffs, Mafah was hit by Rashan Gary and lost the ball, which rookie Caleb Downs recovered. The source notes that Mafah was immediately subbed out following the turnover, a significant setback in his bid for backup carries.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Phil Mafah received RB2 work during the Cowboys' first training camp practice on Wednesday, suggesting he could emerge as the primary backup to Javonte Williams instead of the more widely expected Jaydon Blue; the source notes this is noteworthy and interesting despite the early stage of camp.PositiveRoleJul 27, 2026
Phil Mafah is heading into year two and the Cowboys seem to be very high on him, positioning him as a contender for the RB2 job alongside Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis.NegativeDepth ChartJul 27, 2026
Competing for backup running back roster spots alongside Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis; one of three candidates vying for the final backup RB spot on the Cowboys roster.PositiveRoleJul 27, 2026
The source projects Mafah to carve out a goal-line role in 2026 as Dallas seeks to keep starting RB Javonte Williams fresh. At 6-foot-1 and 232 pounds, Mafah has the frame to punish defenders in short-yardage situations. He was sidelined by a shoulder injury until the season finale last year, when he punched in a goal-line touchdown—the type of role he needs to expand on. The source frames this as beneficial for both Williams (fewer unnecessary hits) and the Cowboys (a true battering ram in the red zone capable of turning tough yards into touchdowns).PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
Phil Mafah is big and plays with force and a blatant disregard for defensive players' safety; the source likes this and believes he could be the guy who helps solve the Cowboys' red zone woes in the RB2 battle.PositiveRoleJul 24, 2026
Fan favorite running back in a training camp battle with Malik Davis; question is whether Cowboys will carry five running backs to start the year, with Mafah's special teams contributions potentially determining his roster fate.PositiveRoleJul 23, 2026
Boasting an impressive physical frame, the sophomore running back serves as a direct stylistic backup to the starter and will look to command heavy backup snaps with a dominant summer.PositiveBreakoutJul 23, 2026
The second-year running back is expected to take a big step this season; the Cowboys have been adamant about their optimism for Mafah's development.PositiveBreakoutJul 22, 2026
The source makes a bold prediction that Phil Mafah will emerge as the best back behind Javonte Williams. At 6'0", 234 lbs., Mafah has the physical tools and downhill running style to complement Williams and secure the RB2 spot, unlike other backs on the roster. Despite limited 2025 sample (5 carries, 18 yards, 1 TD in one game), the source believes Mafah's profile and role fit make him the RB2 candidate most likely to succeed.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
Running back competing for backup role behind Javonte Williams; brings a different skill set to the table compared to Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis; if one of the backs emerges, the Dallas rushing attack could take another leap forward.NegativeDepth ChartJul 22, 2026
Phil Mafah is one of the running back depth options the Cowboys could turn to as their RB2 behind Javonte Williams, though Jaydon Blue is viewed as the ideal candidate for the role.