Cowboys Place Rookie RB Phil Mafah on IR With Return Designation After Shoulder Injury

Dallas opts for an early IR return slot to maintain roster flexibility during cutdowns.

Overview

Mafah injured his shoulder in the final preseason game against the Falcons and will be ineligible for the first four regular-season games.
The rookie can be activated as early as Week 5 under the return designation, per multiple reports citing ESPN.
Mafah logged 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in the preseason while pushing for a depth role.
With Mafah sidelined, Deuce Vaughn stands to benefit in the competition for a potential fourth running back spot alongside Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders and Jaydon Blue.
Only two pre-Week 1 IR placements can return during the season, and one is expected to be reserved for WR Jonathan Mingo, shaping Dallas’ roster choices.