While much of the offensive depth chart in Dallas is set in stone, with the Cowboys having put forth one of the most productive seasons in franchise history in 2025, there are still some depth concerns that linger at a handful of positions. There are questions on the offensive line, and in the tight end room, but one key spot also does not have a clear backup: running back, where Javonte Williams is the starter but no one in particular has claimed the RB2 role.
At the end of last season, it appeared to be Malik Davis, and it is likely that’s where the running back position is situated heading into 2026 workouts. The Cowboys probably would like to see second-year man Jaydon Blue step into the role but concerns about his professionalism and approach in practice cropped up throughout last season and limited his opportunities. If that does not change, the Cowboys won’t hand him a bigger role.
Dallas signed Tulsa running back Dominic Richardson as an undrafted free agent, and there’s a chance he could win a role in training camp. There’s also lingering excitement about Israel Abanikanda possibly getting a look. But the one guy on the depth chart who appears to be on shaky ground is 2025 seventh-round pick Phil Mafah.
Phil Mafah Struggled With Shoulder Injury
Mafah was picked out of Clemson after a very solid four-year career that ended with 1,115 rushing yards as a senior. He did not make much of an impact last season, though, even as the Cowboys were shuffling to find the answer behind Williams, who carried the ball a career-high 252 times in 2025, a workload he could well be asked to repeat after he was signed to a new contract.
Mafah suffered a shoulder injury in training camp and did not finally play until Week 18. He will have to stay healthy and show more to stick on the roster this summer.
Cowboys Ready to ‘Chop’ Phil Mafah?
In an article titled, “4 Cowboys on the chopping block following the draft,” the Cowboys site Blogging the Boys notes that the competition might be too stiff for Mafah to hang on as the team develops its running back room.
From the site: “Plus, you also have to consider Hunter Leupke as a versatile option who can handle short-yardage duties and help in other areas. Dallas also has Israel Abanikanda on the roster, who has tremendous athletic potential and could turn heads playing with the backups.
Seemingly, it comes down to Mafah beating not only Abanikanda for a spot but also the other numbers at other positions if he hopes to hang on to a roster spot.”
UDFA Draws Cowboys Interest
As for Richardson, he will have the chance to impress the Cowboys and could, in the end, prove to the kind of UDFA the team has historically liked–a rough-and-tumble back who is known for durability and toughness.
As his scouting report noted: “Richardson has an impressive frame with broad shoulders and a thick core, and he uses it to violently finish runs. His muscular build yielded workload durability, as he closed out the 2025 season with his two best games as a rusher. Richardson lacks dynamic play-making abilities, as his tight hips and stout legs take some time to get moving. However, he makes up for it with a borderline reckless desire to get downhill, mitigating potential losses with brute force over finesse.”
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