The Dallas Cowboys are placing a rookie running back on injured reserve, prompting questions about the playmaker’s status. Phil Mafah was a potential cut candidate heading into the team’s August 26, 2025, deadline to finalize the Cowboys 53-man roster.
On the eve of the team’s roster decision, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Mafah is being placed on injured reserve. This means Mafah must miss a minimum of four games before potentially being added to the active roster during Week 5.
“The Cowboys will place rookie RB Phil Mafah (shoulder) on Injured Reserve, per sources,” Fowler noted in an August 25, 2025, message on X. “The plan is for him to return during the season. Mafah had 15 carries for 59 yards and one touchdown in the preseason.”
Here’s the latest on the Cowboys running back battle.
Who Will Be the Cowboys Starting Running Back?
It remains to be seen who will be the Dallas starting running back. Mafah’s fellow rookie Jaydon Blue is in the mix to potentially become the Cowboys RB1 but will likely have to earn the spot during the regular season.
Blue has also been dealing with an ankle injury but returned to the practice field. With a little more than one week before the Cowboys square off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, veteran Javonte Williams appears to be the prohibitive favorite be the Cowboys starting running back. Veteran Miles Sanders could also be in the mix as well.
There Is Some Debate About Phil Mafah’s Injury Amid IR Move
Given Mafah’s status on the roster bubble, there have been some questions about the running back’s injury. Prior to the news, Athlon Sports’ Mike Fisher noted that Mafah could be stashed on injured reserve in a move that prevents the Cowboys from having to release the running back.
“Note that rookie Phil Mafah did not practice today (with an undisclosed issue) … suggesting that the Cowboys rookie might soon be stashed with a hangnail or something,” Fisher detailed in an August 25, X message.
Yet, other reports indicate that Mafah is dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during the Cowboys’ preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons.
“Phil Mafah injured left shoulder against (Falcons),” All City DLLS’ Clarence Hill Jr. said on X. “Same shoulder he had surgery on in college that caused him to drop in the draft. Cowboys say it’s a new injury and he will be fine.”
Javonte Williams Predicted To Be Cowboys Starting RB While Deuce Vaughn Projected to Get Cut
The Athletic’s Jon Machota predicts that Williams will begin the season as the Cowboys’ starter. Deuce Vaughn is predicted to be among the notable players cut at the position.
“Williams is the expected Week 1 starter,” Machota wrote in an August 23, story titled, “Final Cowboys 53-man roster projection: Injury timelines affect several key spots.” “After that is still to be determined, but fifth-round pick Blue and fullback (Hunter) Luepke are basically locks to join Williams on the 53.
“… Deuce Vaughn has had moments in training camp and the preseason where he has really pushed for a roster spot, however, it still seems unlikely that he’s one of the final 53.”
