Brian Schottenheimer & co have hinted that Malik Davis is in the RB2 competition after last week’s performances by Jaydon Blue and Mafah Somewhat out of necessity Malik Davis was getting the 2nd reps this week Certainly seems the part tonight - started (but rotated with) Blue

Insight page Source View post on X

NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Second-year running back Phil Mafah, known for Marshawn Lynch-type runs, has been a major topic in the Cowboys' RB2 competition during training camp, though veteran Malik Davis has emerged as a potential surprise winner of the backup role.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 21, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Second-year RB Mafah was expected to make a big jump this offseason and was a focal point of Cowboys RB depth conversation, but is now limited in practices with injuries heading into week two preseason, which opens the door for Malik Davis to compete for the RB2 role.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Exited the preseason game against Seattle with a rib injury after four carries. Limited in Monday's practice due to the same rib injury, which has caused his arrow to point down as camp grinds on. Despite showing real year-two development with plus burst and decisiveness between the tackles earlier in camp, he now has to fight his way back into the RB competition mix.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveNewsAug 18, 2026Zain Dhanani

Zain Dhananion X

On the Cowboys RB2 battle: “Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah have been given the best opportunities with the first- and second-team units, but neither have particularly separated from the other, or from the rest of the pack for that matter.” Also mentions a possibility of a vet FA being added at RB if none separate Take: It doesn’t help that Blue and Mafah are banged up right now. Blue didn’t fumble and proved to be somewhat valuable as a receiver. I still lean Blue but the certainty is lowered giv...

Insight page Source View post on X

NegativeInjuryAug 17, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Phil Mafah was limited in practice after being banged up in the preseason game with a rib injury.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeInjuryAug 17, 2026Blogging The Boys

Limited in practice with rib injury; working back into practice after injury, indicating reduced availability and ongoing recovery from rib-related issue.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 17, 2026Fantasy Football with Ian Hartitz

Phil Mafah appeared in limited snaps (six) behind starter Jaden Blue in preseason week 1, recording four carries for nine yards. Malik Davis was the most successful of the Cowboys backup running back group.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeUsageAug 17, 2026RotoWire NFL Articles

Mafah received 6 snaps compared to Jaydon Blue's 19 during the game's first three drives and rushed 4 times for 9 yards. He didn't fare any better than Blue in the backfield competition.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeUsageAug 17, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Mafah saw only four carries in preseason Week 1 compared to Jaydon Blue's eight, suggesting Blue is emerging as a threat to Mafah's backfield role with the Cowboys.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeUsageAug 17, 2026NBC Sports Rotoworld

Mafah earned four carries in the preseason game, fewer than Jaydon Blue's eight opportunities with the backup unit.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeInjuryAug 17, 2026RotoWire NFL Articles

Mafah left with an injury during the Cowboys-Seahawks preseason game. The injury status is uncertain, with the timeline for his return unclear. This is a significant concern given his status as a promising young running back in the Dallas backfield.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeUsageAug 17, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Mafah impressed in camp with improved pass protection and ball security but struggled in live action against Seattle, unable to cut out of congested backfields and getting stuck; he also suffered a chest injury early in the second half of the preseason game and was ruled out for the remainder.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeUsageAug 16, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Second-year running back underperformed in preseason with longest run of just four yards; finished with nine yards on four carries (2.3 yards per carry); backup running backs Malik Davis and Israel Abanikanda outperformed him, suggesting RB2 job is firmly up for grabs.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeBustAug 16, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Physical runner competing for the backup running back job behind Javonte Williams; eager to showcase what he can do in preseason action as the backup spots remain wide open.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 15, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Mafah has had some moments in camp but the source indicates Dallas still wants to see more from the backs behind Williams in the preseason; he is competing with Jaydon Blue and Jashaun Corbin for depth roles.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026RotoWire NFL Articles

Expected to get heavy preseason workload as 2025 Day 3 draft pick battling Jaydon Blue for top backup spot behind Javonte Williams; neither player saw much field time in rookie seasons but both could find success in larger preseason roles.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 15, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Phil Mafah is competing with Jaydon Blue in a tight battle for the backup running back role behind Javonte Williams. According to Brian Schottenheimer, both players are closely matched in the competition, though Blue currently holds the edge on the unofficial depth chart.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 15, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Cowboys RB is behind Jaydon Blue on the backfield depth chart based on preseason Week 1 action.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveUsageAug 13, 2026Zain Dhanani

Zain Dhananion X

Schottenheimer made it known at OTAs that Javonte Williams would get less work in the Spring/Summer so they could let the young guys cook You're about to see Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah go at it for RB2 duties Take: It would probably be a split between both and Blue has a complementary role in the O always/even with Mafah if Javonte got hurt.

Insight page Source View post on X

PositiveNewsAug 13, 2026Underdog NFL

Underdog NFLon X

Schottenheimer: Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will get "a ton of work" in preseason.

Insight page Source View post on X

NegativeDepth ChartAug 13, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

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, which gives him an edge over Malik Davis. However, Mafah needs to stack together a few really good games in the preseason to hold his spot ahead of Davis, though he looks very much ahead right now.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 13, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveDepth ChartAug 12, 2026Blogging The Boys

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.

Insight page Source Original