The Dallas Cowboys' season comes to a close when they match up against the New York Giants in Week 18. The Cowboys plan to play some starters, but how long they see the field remains to be seen.
There will be a change in the backfield as Javonte Williams (shoulder) and Malik Davis (eye/calf) were placed on IR, opening the door for some lesser-used faces to see action. That led to the Cowboys activating running back Phil Mafah to the 53-man roster.
It means that Jaydon Blue and Mafah will be leading the charge as the go-to running backs. And with the offseason right around the corner, this is a great opportunity for Mafah.
Phil Mafah Gifted Chance to Showout in Week 18
Mafah was drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft out of Clemson. He hasn't played a snap for this team thus far in the regular season and got activated off the IR himself with a shoulder injury. He spent the majority of the season on the practice squad, but now gets a chance to show the staff what he can do during a real game.
He showed flashes during the preseason, racking up 59 rushing yards, 15 receiving yards, and one touchdown. The 23-year-old wasn't able to build off those performances, which isn't surprising considering how well Williams looked this season. Going into Week 18, he ranked sixth in rushing yards (1,201) and tied for seventh in rushing touchdowns (11).
Davis even looked good when given the chance to play, and that makes this game that much more important for Mafah. Entering the league, he was known as being a downhill ball carrier, with surprisingly good hands out of the backfield as a pass-catcher. In his collegiate career at Clemson, Mafah logged 2,887 rushing yards, 619 receiving yards, and 28 rushing scores.
With this also being an opportunity for Blue to prove what he can provide to the offense, every rep will matter in this contest. And whether he's running behind the starters or second stringers, he'll have to make something shake.
The New York Giants' defense has been bad for the entire season, especially on the ground. They are 30th in the NFL in run defense (145.4) and 32nd in yards per carry allowed (5.3). There will be several chances throughout the game to make something happen, and if Mafah doesn't, it might hurt his chances ahead of a pivotal offseason.
The NFL is all about opportunity, and this is Mafah's first real one. It'll be interesting to see what he does.