Who Should I Start? Will Shipley or Phil Mafah

Friday, September 26, 4:42 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (oblique) was listed as a full participant on the team's Friday injury report and appears ready to return to game action this weekend against the Buccaneers. This comes after Shipley missed Philly's last two contests with an oblique injury suffered against the Cowboys. In his absence, fellow back A.J. Dillon has seen minimal action, with three carries in Week 2 and none the week after. Tank Bigsby is still yet to record an offensive stat with his new team. In his last appearance, Shipley had just three carries as Saquon Barkley's understudy. So, it seems unlikely that his comeback will change much, and he'll continue to be used sparingly. He's a decent handcuff to keep on standby, but otherwise Shipley should not see fantasy lineups in Week 4.

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.