Who Should I Start? Ty Chandler or Phil Mafah

Saturday, December 6, 10:03 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. Chandler's 21-day practice window was opened this past Wednesday, but his return will wait at least another week. The 27-year-old suffered a knee injury during Minnesota's Week 1 win over the Chicago Bears and has been on Injured Reserve ever since. The 2022 fifth-round pick would serve as a quality depth option behind top running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason upon returning, while contributing primarily as a return man on special teams. Chandler will look to be activated for the Vikings' Week 15 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. He can be left on the waiver wire in the majority of redraft fantasy football leagues at this time.

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.