Phil Mafah logged his first real NFL action in the Cowboys' 31-21 preseason loss to the Rams at SoFi, carrying 10 times for 36 yards as Deuce Vaughn opened the night. Mafah shook off a jittery start and flashed a bruising, compact running style with solid vision between tackles.

The Cowboys used Mafah on a pitch-count, signaling a cautious ramp in August. Mafah's late burst hints at a potential bigger role as preseason unfolds, especially if Vaughn remains in a time-share and the team needs depth behind the likely starter. Mafah's emotional pregame moment underscored his journey from youth ball to the NFL, a narrative that fuels intrigue in deeper fantasy formats.

With Vaughn in the mix and a measured early workload, Mafah could become a late-round roster sleeper if Dallas eases into a committee backfield. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor his progression in subsequent exhibitions and the final cut decisions that will shape the Cowboys’ all-important depth chart.