The Dallas Cowboys' running back room is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2026 offseason. While the starting role appears locked in, the battle for backup spots is wide open—and second-year back Phil Mafah is right in the thick of it. As part of our ongoing roster rundown, let's break down what to expect from this physical, power-style runner and whether he can carve out a permanent spot on the roster.

Mafah arrived in Dallas as a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a selection that came with a clear purpose: inject some much-needed depth and toughness into a backfield that had been in flux. The previous season, the Cowboys leaned heavily on Rico Dowdle, whose breakout campaign earned him a free-agent deal with the Panthers. Behind him, the reunion with Ezekiel Elliott fizzled, leading to Zeke's midseason release. Dallas tried to patch things up with veteran free agents Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but questions about both players' durability and consistency made running back a top draft priority.

Fans hoping for an early-round splash were left waiting—and grumbling—until Day 3. The Cowboys used a fifth-round pick on speedster Jaydon Blue, and many assumed that was their lone addition. But later that afternoon, they doubled down by selecting Mafah, a bowling ball of a runner who offers a stark contrast to Blue's finesse. If Blue is the flash, Mafah is the thunder—a bruising, downhill runner built for short-yardage situations and wearing down defenses.

During training camp, Mafah quickly made a name for himself. He drew positive reviews from coaches and teammates, and his preseason performances hinted at a player who could contribute right away. But just as he was gaining momentum, a shoulder injury forced him onto injured reserve the day after final cuts. The Cowboys, however, saw enough promise to keep his rights, leaving the door open for a return later in the season. That return finally came in Week 18, but only in a limited capacity.

Would Mafah have made the 53-man roster if he'd stayed healthy? It's a tough call. The team invested more draft capital in Jaydon Blue and saw him as a better complement to Williams. Even when Miles Sanders went down with an injury, Dallas opted to bring in Malik Davis from the practice squad rather than activate Mafah. Whether that was due to lingering health concerns or a strategic decision to stash him for a full year of development remains unclear.

Now, heading into 2026, Mafah enters a backfield that still has questions. Williams is the established starter, but behind him, the depth chart is far from settled. Blue has shown flashes but has yet to prove he can handle a full workload. Sanders is still in the mix, but his injury history is a concern. That leaves a real opportunity for Mafah—if he can stay on the field and build on the promise he showed last summer.

For a player known for his physical, between-the-tackles style, the key will be consistency and durability. If Mafah can prove he's fully recovered and ready to absorb NFL punishment, he could become the perfect change-of-pace back the Cowboys need. And in a league where power runners are always in demand, his unique skill set might just be the ticket to securing a long-term role in Dallas.