Who Should I Start? Antonio Gibson or Phil Mafah

Monday, August 4, 11:22 PM

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson returned to practice on Wednesday, according to Brian Hines of SBNation. Gibson was dealing with an undisclosed issue, but everything appears to be all good with him health-wise. The 2020 third-round pick had a solid first season in New England in 2024, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 9 yards per reception. With the addition of 2025 second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson, along with the presence of Rhamondre Stevenson, Gibson will likely be reduced to a backup role behind them.

Sunday, August 31, 4:05 PM

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.