The Dallas Cowboys are shaping up to rely heavily on Javonte Williams as their starting running back, with Williams already clear on track for the lead role. He hasn’t taken part in either of the first two preseason games, while Miles Sanders, Phil Mafah, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis have all gotten opportunities to prove themselves.
Promising rookie Jaydon Blue missed the first two exhibitions with a heel injury but appears to be on pace to play in Friday’s preseason finale after returning to padded practice on Tuesday. Williams and Blue look like locks to make the 53-man roster, and while the fan chatter has favored Mafah over Sanders, Tuesday’s practice reps suggest Sanders sits ahead of Mafah in the pecking order—though that wouldn’t necessarily be the best decision for Dallas.
In Tuesday’s session, Williams led the way with six carries. Sanders and Blue each went for four carries, Deuce Vaughn touched the ball four times (three rushes, one reception), and Mafah and Malik Davis were each given a single carry.
This isn’t a great sign for Mafah’s supporters, especially given that he has been the Cowboys’ standout performer in the preseason. Sanders’ performance in his return from a knee injury was underwhelming: he carried seven times for 15 yards in Saturday’s game. While the run-blocking wasn’t pristine, Sanders’ vision was the bigger issue.
Mafah showed why many fans wanted him on the roster after Week 1, when he totaled 36 yards on 10 carries. He would have reached about 50 yards on 11 carries without a costly penalty, and his balance, pad level and ability to slip tacklers were evident. The Clemson rookie runs with power and finishes runs, delivering contact and moving the pile, which could make him a useful contributor in year one.
Dallas could theoretically keep two veterans instead of two rookies at the back end of the depth chart, given the current crop of backs behind Williams. The team may still decide to keep Sanders and one of the younger backs on the roster to start the season, relying on Mafah’s development or a potential practice-squad option if Sanders stays healthy and Mafah keeps flashing.
A realistic takeaway is that Mafah has done enough to merit continued consideration beyond the final preseason game, especially if he can translate his limited opportunities into a larger role when the season begins. If the Cowboys value a younger, faster offensive weapon behind Williams, Mafah could push for a share of the workload or a practice-squad safety net should Sanders stumble.
What to watch for Friday
– How Mafah responds to more touches and whether he earns a longer look ahead of the final roster decisions.
– Whether Sanders continues to show improved vision and decision-making or if the Cowboys lean more on Mafah’s upside.
– Blue’s health status and how quickly he can contribute once the roster is set.
– Friday’s game plan in the backfield and how much Williams is utilized as a workhorse early in the season.
Summary
Dallas is leaning toward Javonte Williams as the starter, with Blue likely making the roster and Mafah and Sanders in a tight competition for meaningful roles. Mafah’s preseason flashes keep him in the conversation, while Sanders’ efficiency and fit in the offense will be critical factors in the final depth-chart decisions. Dallas has to balance experienced production with upside, aiming to optimize the backfield for the regular season.
Possible optimistic note
If Mafah continues to flash in limited opportunities, he could become a valuable piece in year one, providing a thunder-and-ivy balance with Williams and giving the Cowboys a versatile one-two punch that keeps defenses off balance.