Who Should I Start? Tyler Goodson or Phil Mafah

Wednesday, September 3, 5:31 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson (elbow) was listed as a limited participant in practice on the first injury report of the year on Wednesday heading into a Week 1 tilt against the Miami Dolphins. Goodson was the only player listed on Indy's injury report, so they are pretty healthy to open things up. The 24-year-old should be able to suit up for Sunday's contest, but he shouldn't be rostered at all in 12-team leagues and won't be a realistic starting option anywhere if he's active. Jonathan Taylor is the Colts' clear RB1, and rookie DJ Giddens could very well be his primary backup. Barring an injury to Taylor, Goodson will be hard-pressed to find signficant work despite averaging 4.8 yards per carry in his second NFL season in 2024. Most of Goodson's production last year came when Taylor missed time due to injury.

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.