Who Should I Start? Emari Demercado or Phil Mafah

Wednesday, December 10, 5:54 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) was listed as limited in the team's practice on Wednesday, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. Demercado has missed the last three games due to a high-ankle sprain, but if he can upgrade to a full practice on Thursday or Friday, he should have a good chance to return this weekend when the team takes on the Houston Texans. The 26-year-old could be worth a pickup in deep PPR leagues for fantasy managers who still have something left to play for now that it's official that Trey Benson (knee) will not return in 2025. Demercado has only 31 carries in nine games this year, but he's averaging 7.8 yards per carry and has caught eight passes for 64 yards. If he misses a fourth straight game, it will be Bam Knight and Michael Carter once again splitting Arizona's backfield touches in a pass-heavy attack led by veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

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.