Who Should I Start? Terrell Jennings or Phil Mafah

Thursday, August 8, 10:44 PM

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings rushed for 38 yards on six carries during Thursday's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. He also contributed in the passing game, hauling in both of his targets for a total of 11 yards. Jennings is a 23-year-old undrafted rookie out of Florida A&M. Despite his strong pro debut on Thursday, he faces an uphill battle to make the roster behind the likes of Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris, and JaMycal Hasty. He can be avoided in all fantasy formats.

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.