Who Should I Start? Kimani Vidal or Phil Mafah

Wednesday, August 27, 10:45 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers waived running back Kimani Vidal on Tuesday, but Vidal is expected to return to the team via its practice squad, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. With Najee Harris (eye) able to avoid a trip to the NFI list, Vidal lost the battle with Hassan Haskins for the third and final running back slot on the Chargers' active roster. Los Angeles drafted Vidal in the sixth round in 2024, and he recorded 217 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 48 total touches as a rookie. The soon-to-be 24-year-old could get a second chance to make an impact with the team if a backfield injury leads to his activation from the practice squad, but he should remain off the radar of fantasy managers for the time being.

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.