Who Should I Start? Sean Tucker or Phil Mafah

Wednesday, October 1, 7:37 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker could have an opportunity for more work in Week 5 if star Bucky Irving ends up being ruled out. Tucker said that he's "always ready and prepared" when asked if he would be ready to take on a bigger role on Sunday. Tucker has proven that to be true in the limited sample where he has gotten a decent number of touches. In a game against New Orleans last season that Rachaad White missed with injury, Tucker totaled 191 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he has six career games with at least five carries. He's averaging over five yards per carry across those games. Rachaad White would be likely to handle the bulk of the work if Irving were to miss, but Tucker could mix in and steal some touches because he is the better runner. He's a decent stash ahead of Week 5 as more news trickles out.

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.