Dallas Cowboys' football finally returned on Saturday, and it was not worth the wait. The Cowboys got off to a terrible start against the LA Rams and did not show signs of life until late in the first half.
It wasn't all bad, however. While Joe Milton had a rough debut for his new team, rookie running back Phil Mafah shined bright in his first test in an NFL uniform. Mafah was among the players fans were most excited to watch after fellow rookie RB Jaydon Blue was ruled out with a heel injury, and he delivered.
Yes, there are still two preseason games left, but Mafah’s performance should have him penciled onto the 53-man roster. In other words, the Cowboys’ running back room should be set in stone: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, Hunter Luepke, and Mafah.
Cowboys have to keep RB Phil Mafah on 53-man roster after strong preseason debut
With Milton struggling to find a rhythm, Mafah was the only thing going for the offense. His stat line will look pedestrian relative to the praise he receives, but he was playing bully ball out there and he had one big run negated by a penalty.
That isn't to say Deuce Vaughn played poorly. The third-year pro didn't do anything to harm his chances of making the roster. However, he missed several practices with a hamstring injury before finally returning in the middle of the week. In that window, Mafah was busy winning over the coaching staff with his bruising physicality.
The Cowboys likely want to keep vets Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Jaydon Blue has come on very strong over the last two weeks of camp and is making a push for a featured role in the offense.
Luepke, meanwhile didn't even dress for the game. It's no secret that Brian Schottenheimer values his ability to play multiple positions. While Luepke's absence was surprising, there is seemingly only one reason Schottenheimer would rest Luepke on Saturday: he's making the team.
It only took Mafah a few carries to show he belongs on an NFL roster. The Cowboys won't just hand him a spot after one exhibition, but everyone who watched knows he should be on the team.