Mafah lands on IR, delaying his Cowboys debut. He’s a dark-horse in-season addition should injuries strike. Mafah’s absence leaves the door open for Blue’s rookie ascent and Williams’ and Sanders’ continued primacy, with Mafah potentially stepping in as a ghuranteed practice squad or later-season depth option if he returns.

Mafah is Dallas’ seventh‐round rookie running back who flashed in the preseason with 59 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown before being placed on IR/return with a shoulder injury. His Clemson history includes a torn labrum, adding a layer of durability risk while raising the Cowboys' late‐summer depth‐chart stakes as they approach the 53‐man roster deadline.

Mafah adds speed to the Cowboys’ backfield, presenting a contrast to the power-first approach of others. In limited preseason action, Mafah could earn a role in the rotation, providing an element of fresh legs and big-play potential. His development will influence Blue’s timeline and the overall depth at running back.

Mafah’s move to Dallas creates a vacancy that Clemson must fill at running back. His departure leaves opening for Davidson, but Mafah’s NFL pedigree adds a narrative edge to the backfield’s evolution and the league-wide fantasy chatter about his future earnings.

Phil Mafah has emerged as a fast, instinctive runner for the Cowboys, catching attention after preseason work and a solid start to Oxnard. His ‘slasher’ style and feel for the run have boosted his standing as a real contender behind Pollard and in the team’s backfield rotation.