Who Should I Start? Travis Homer or Phil Mafah

Sunday, October 19, 11:41 AM

Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (calf) is officially active for Sunday's Week 7 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after being a full participant in practice all week long. The veteran running back is making his season debut this week, but he'll likely be relegated to a role on special teams. After all, D'Andre Swift has a firm hold on the lead-back role while Kyle Monangai and Roschon Johnson are steady depth options. Fantasy managers should leave Homer on waivers in all 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.