Who Should I Start? Zavier Scott or Phil Mafah

Sunday, September 7, 12:41 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott (ankle) has officially been ruled out for his team's road tilt with the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. The former undrafted free agent picked up an ankle injury in the Vikes' preseason finale and did not log even a limited practice session ahead of their regular season opener. It's unfortunate timing for Scott, who flashed as a pass-catcher this summer and might have challenged to be Minnesota's third option out of the backfield. Teammates Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason figure to handle the bulk of the running back opportunities on Monday night, with Ty Chandler potentially rotating in for a few touches behind them.

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.