Phil Mafah injury update: Cowboys will place RB on injured reserve with plans to return for 2025 season

Roster moves are being made around the league as the preseason ends and the season is less than two weeks from starting in the NFL. That includes in Dallas, with the Cowboys making a decision that’ll better define their depth chart at running back.

Per reporting by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Dallas is placing RB Phil Mafah on injured reserve. He will be back at some point this season, though, per according to Fowler.

“The #Cowboys will place rookie RB Phil Mafah (shoulder) on Injured Reserve, per sources,” Fowler tweeted this evening. “The plan is for him to return during the season. Mafah had 15 carries for 59 yards and one touchdown in the preseason.”

Mafah was not seen practicing today during the open session for the Cowboys on Monday. That said, with this, his time with the Cowboys is apparently not over going into this season.

Mafah was a seventh-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was one of the final selections of the event at No. 239 overall out of 257 selections back in April.

Mafah posted 15 carries for 59 yards, averaging 19.7 yards per outing and 3.9 per carry, and scored a rushing touchdown over his three preseason appearances with Dallas. He led them in rushing attempts and was second in yardage, with 36 yards on 10 carries, during their preseason opening loss against the Rams in Los Angeles. Then, after having three carries for seven yards in their second loss versus the Ravens, Mafah had a pair of carries for 16 yards, one being for his touchdown, in their preseason finale during a win over the Falcons on Friday.

This comes as the Cowboys try to cut their roster down to their roster of 53 players. A handful of players have already been waived or released to this point by Dallas. The running back room, though, could have more changes made to it besides Mafah with Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke, and Malik Davis also on the roster or having played for them this preseason. Some of those names could also eventually end up on their practice squad if they don’t make the final cut this week.

It remains to be seen how the final roster comes together for Dallas. However, Mafah looks to be part of their plans at some point, as he’ll just start the season out on injured reserve for the Cowboys.