Who Should I Start? Trevor Etienne or Phil Mafah

Saturday, November 22, 12:31 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne has essentially been a non-factor lately. He didn't log a snap in Week 10, and he played just four snaps with one carry last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie has primarily played on special teams, logging either a kick or punt return in all but one game this year. In total, he has just 20 carries for 94 rushing yards in 2025, plus two catches for an additional nine yards. He also fumbled once. Most of his volume came during Weeks 4-6 when Chuba Hubbard was banged up. As long as Hubbard and Rico Dowdle are healthy, Etienne will be a non-factor on offense. Managers should continue to patiently stash him in dynasty leagues, but they can leave him on waivers in redraft formats. That remains true in Week 12 against the San Francisco 49ers.

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.