Phil Mafah

Phil Mafah News

Phil Mafah Tries Out for Packers Amid Backfield Uncertainty

Free agent running back Phil Mafah tried out for the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, per Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Mafah played in just one game as a rookie and was waived by the Cowboys in late August. While it's not yet clear if he will find his next NFL home in Green Bay, the Packers enter 2026 with significant questions in their backfield. Star Packers back Josh Jacobs is currently on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List due to an offseason arrest, and it's unclear when or if he will be cleared to play. As a result, the team's running back room currently consists of the unproven trio of MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson. The team is reportedly planning to take a committee approach to the backfield early in the year, and the fact that the Packers hosted Mafah on Tuesday could indicate that they do not have great confidence in any of their current options.

Sep 8, 2026 4:47 PM EST

Phil Mafah Waived by Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are waiving running back Phil Mafah, according to Jeremy Fowler. Dallas selected Mafah 239th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but injuries limited his rookie season to one game. He carried five times for 18 yards and a touchdown in that appearance while adding two catches for 11 yards. Mafah returned healthy this summer and got one final extended audition Friday against New Orleans, starting and rushing 12 times for 46 yards. The bigger clue came from who didn't play. Dallas held Javonte Williams, Malik Davis and Jaydon Blue out of the preseason finale while Mafah handled the bulk of the work. The 6-foot-1, 232-pound back was fighting for one of the final spots in a crowded room, and Sunday's move confirms he remained on the outside. Mafah will now hit waivers after spending one season with Dallas.

Aug 30, 2026 11:32 AM EST

Phil Mafah Falling Out of Roster Spot?

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah could be on the outside looking in to make the Cowboys' final 53-man roster. The Cowboys drafted him in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Clemson. Teams around the league will have to shrink their roster from 90 players to 53 players on Sunday in order to be ready for Week 1. Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram noted Mafah got the majority of the running back work during the preseason finale Friday night. This signaled Mafah had one last shot to prove to the coaching staff that he should win a spot on the Cowboys' final roster. Mafah has been battling Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis all summer for the backup running back role behind starter Javonte Williams. After stiff competition, Mafah could be the odd man out of the running back room.

Aug 29, 2026 12:56 PM EST

Phil Mafah Busy in Preseason Finale But Could be Odd-Man Out

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah was busy in the team's preseason finale on Friday night versus the visiting New Orleans Saints, which typically means a player is on the roster bubble. That is exactly the case with Mafah, who saw a team-high 12 carries for 46 yards (3.8 yards per carry) in the 27-24 loss, with Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, and Malik Davis all watching on the sidelines in street clothes. He was not targeted as a receiver. While the 23-year-old has not had a bad training camp, he looks to be the RB4 and on the outside looking in for a spot on the 53-man roster spot heading into Week 1 against the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday Night Football on Sept. 13. The former seventh-rounder in last year's draft from Clemson only appeared in one game for Dalals, carrying the ball five times for 18 yards and a touchdown and catching both of his targets for 11 yards in the passing game. Mafah is probably going to need an injury to one of the RBs above him on the depth chart to get a shot on game days in 2026.

Aug 29, 2026 8:24 AM EST

Phil Mafah Projected to Miss 53-Man Roster

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah is not expected to make the 53-man roster for Week 1, according to roster projections from Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. Watkins did have a 15-yard touchdown run during Dallas' last preseason game, but that was the only time he touched the ball during the entire contest. Volume has been hard to come by, and it seems like he'll be the odd man out. "Mafah has done nothing wrong here," Watkins wrote. "[Malik] Davis and [Jaydon] Blue just played better in the preseason." As things stand, it looks like Davis and Blue will round out the backfield behind starter Javonte Williams, with Davis also playing a key role on special teams. Mafah, meanwhile, might need to look for a new team after just one season with the Cowboys. As a rookie last year, he tallied 29 scrimmage yards on seven touches.

Aug 26, 2026 7:26 PM EST

Phil Mafah Exits Preseason Opener with a Chest Injury

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah (chest) exited Saturday night's preseason opener against the Seahawks with a chest injury and did not return. A seventh-round pick in 2025, Mafah earned only seven total opportunities as a rookie, but with the team's primary backup job up for grabs behind locked-in starter Javonte Williams, he has been part of a training camp battle that includes fellow second-year player Jaydon Blue and veteran Malik Davis. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated after the game that the injury did not appear to be overly serious. Still, Mafah's status bears watching in the lead-up to the regular season. While the second running back spot in Dallas holds almost no standalone value, whoever earns the role will become an important handcuff to Williams.

Aug 16, 2026 6:49 AM EST

Phil Mafah Gaining Steam in Cowboys Backfield

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah had another good run in training camp practice on Thursday, according to The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins, and he appears to be gaining some steam in the backfield this summer for a depth role behind starter Javonte Williams. The 23-year-old entered camp this summer competing with second-year RB Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis for the No. 2 role in the Cowboys' backfield after he saw only five rushing attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for 11 yards in one game as a rookie in 2025 after Dallas took him in the seventh round (239th overall) out of Clemson. Although Mafah has reportedly looked good so far in camp, so has Blue, a fifth-rounder out of the University of Texas last year. Blue is also the much more complete back with more explosiveness, so he figures to be given the first shot at RB2 duties over Mafah in 2026, at least early on. At best, Mafah will most likely serve as a short-yardage weapon for Dallas because of his battering-ram style out of the backfield. Until further notice, he can be ignored in redraft fantasy leagues.

Aug 6, 2026 12:43 PM EST

Phil Mafah on the RB Bubble in Dallas Heading into Training Camp

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Nick Harris lists Dallas Cowboys running backs Phil Mafah, Jaydon Blue, and Malik Davis as on the bubble heading into training camp this summer. Behind workhorse Javonte Williams, the Cowboys don't have a clear-cut favorite for the RB2 role, "which will create a fascinating battle in training camp and the preseason." The 23-year-old Mafah, who was a seventh-rounder last year out of Clemson, played in only one game and had five rushing attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown. He also caught both of his targets for 11 yards. He's fully healthy and looking to keep the momentum going after a strong offseason "in the eyes of his coaches." Harris writes that Blue has more natural ability than Mafah and Davis due to his explosive speed and receiving abilities, but he will have to win over the coaches after he showed immaturity as a rookie in 2025. Going into training camp, Mafah is only a hold in deep dynasty/keeper leagues as he battles for a depth role in Big D.

Jul 17, 2026 5:33 PM EST

Phil Mafah Finds the End Zone in Week 18

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah got his first taste of NFL action in Week 18 against the New York Giants and finished the game with 29 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on seven touches. A seventh-round pick out of Clemson in the 2025 NFL draft, Mafah spent most of his rookie season on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury. He got his chance to make an impression in Week 18 due to injuries to Cowboys running backs Javonte Williams (shoulder, neck) and Malik Davis (calf, eye). Heading into 2026, the Cowboys' running back room is in flux. Williams was the team's clear RB1 throughout the 2025 season, but he will hit free agency and is uncertain to be retained. Davis is also a free agent, though Dallas holds his restricted free agent rights. Depending on how the Cowboys choose to address the running back position this offseason, Mafah could find himself battling with 2025 fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue for a role in the Dallas backfield.

Jan 5, 2026 11:00 AM EST

Phil Mafah Active for Week 18 Against Giants

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. He had been listed as questionable but was widely expected to play after being activated from injured reserve on Saturday. The 23-year-old will make his NFL debut at the perfect time, as Dallas will be without running backs Javonte Williams (shoulder, neck) and Malik Davis (calf, eye). Jaydon Blue is projected to operate as the Cowboys' No. 1 running back on Sunday, but he has just 23 touches in his rookie season, so we wouldn't be surprised to see Mafah get involved, too. Mafah is also a rookie and should play a key role against a Giants defense that has allowed the second-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.

Jan 4, 2026 12:04 PM EST

Cowboys Open Phil Mafah's Practice Window

The Dallas Cowboys announced on Wednesday that they have opened the 21-day practice window for rookie running back Phil Mafah (shoulder). Mafah has missed his entire first season in the NFL so far due to a shoulder injury that landed him on Injured Reserve in August. The 23-year-old will return to practice this week, though, and he could be in play to join the Cowboys offense in the final three weeks of the season. The Clemson product would provide insurance in Dallas' backfield, but he probably wouldn't be anything more than the RB3 behind Javonte Williams and Malik Davis if he plays to close out the 2025 campaign. The Cowboys must officially activate Mafah from IR if they want him active this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mafah had 1,115 rushing yards, 103 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns in his final year in college in 2024.

Dec 17, 2025 4:56 PM EST

Phil Mafah Starts Season on IR After Decent Preseason

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Phil Mafah (shoulder) has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the regular season with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason finale. The seventh-round pick out of Clemson showed flashes in the preseason with 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown, good for a solid 3.9 yards per carry. Standing six-foot and weighing 234 pounds, Mafah's big-bodied, between-the-tackles style was impressive in his final college season, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns. His placement on IR is a setback, but with the Cowboys' current running back situation, a potential revolving door of Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue, Mafah remains a potential contributor later in the season. He is worth a roster spot in deeper dynasty leagues. Still, his fantasy value will stay uncertain until he returns to full health and the backfield situation becomes clearer throughout the season.

Aug 31, 2025 4:05 PM EST

Cowboys to Place Phil Mafah on Injured Reserve

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah (shoulder) will be placed on injured reserve, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. The Cowboys expect Mafah, a seventh-round pick, to return later this season. The Clemson product finished the preseason with 15 carries, 59 yards, and a touchdown. Although his placement on injured reserve is frustrating, it shouldn't change much in terms of Dallas' backfield dynamic. All along, Mafah was expected to slot in as the team's No. 4 running back behind Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, and Miles Sanders. Now, his NFL debut will just be delayed a little longer as he works through his recovery.

Aug 26, 2025 12:12 AM EST

Phil Mafah Scores a Touchdown in Preseason Finale

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Phil Mafah carried the ball two times for 16 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 31-13 preseason win over the Falcons. The seventh-round draft pick has impressed in camp and entered the game in the fourth quarter of Friday's game after Jaydon Blue (ankle) was helped off the field. The Cowboys don't currently have a true RB1, with Miles Sanders (shoulder), Javonte Williams, Deuce Vaughn, and Blue ahead of him on the depth chart. With his performance on Friday and injuries to Sanders and Blue, he may have a chance to make the 53-man roster and compete for touches early on.

Aug 24, 2025 7:02 PM EST

Phil Mafah Says He Played Through a Torn Labrum In College

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Phil Mafah indicated Friday that he played through a torn labrum in his shoulder during his final college season at Clemson, Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News reports. Mafah has been looking good in camp thus far and mentioned that he is feeling healthy, then proceeded to discuss his 2024 injury. During the 2024 season, he rushed for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns on 216 carries. He also caught 21 passes for 103 yards and played all 14 games, starting every one, and was voted a permanent team captain by his teammates. Those are still solid numbers considering he was dealing with a shoulder injury. Nonetheless, it could be why he fell to the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft in the spring. A big performance from Mafah on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams could create a running back battle in the Cowboys' backfield between the two veterans (Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders) and the two rookies (Jaydon Blue and Mafah) ahead of Week 1. At this point, from a fantasy standpoint, Mafah remains a dynasty stash at best.

Aug 9, 2025 11:43 AM EST

Phil Mafah Impressing in Training Camp

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Phil Mafah is earning praise from Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, according to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports. Schottenheimer said that Mafah is "very fluid" and has "excellent" vision. A seventh-round pick out of Clemson, Mafah rushed for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games in his final collegiate season. He's competing with veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders as well as fellow rookie Jaydon Blue for playing time in the Dallas backfield. Williams is the favorite to open the season as the Cowboys' RB1, but there's an opportunity for whichever back plays best to earn carries. With a strong showing in the preseason, Mafah could be a name to monitor in deeper leagues as the regular season gets underway.

Aug 7, 2025 6:00 PM EST

Phil Mafah Inks Rookie Deal With Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have signed seventh-round rookie running back Phil Mafah to a four-year, $4.31 million deal, per the team's transaction log. Mafah spent his entire college career at Clemson, garnering seven starts over his first three seasons before starting in all 14 games in 2024. He broke out last year, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns across 216 carries (5.2 YPC). The 22-year-old wasn't much of a receiver over his first two campaigns, but he caught 21 balls in each of his junior and senior seasons, though he did not score any TDs there. Like his fellow rookie rusher Jaydon Blue, Mafah will have the opportunity to crack Dallas' backfield due to the lack of competition in front of him. This RB room will be one to watch throughout the months leading up to the NFL season.

May 7, 2025 8:14 PM EST