Who Should I Start? Trevor Etienne or Phil Mafah

Wednesday, October 22, 12:52 AM

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Trevor Etienne played only four snaps in Week 7's 13-6 win against the Jets. Etienne played 8, 14, and 11 offensive snaps in his last three games, totaling 14 carries for 72 yards and one reception for seven yards. With Chuba Hubbard returning from a calf injury on Sunday, the fourth-round rookie assumed the RB3 role and also contributed on special teams, including a 45-yard kick return and three punt returns for 35 yards. He's a solid stash in dynasty leagues but isn't rosterable in redraft 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.