The Dallas Cowboys have really tough decisions to make in their running back room before Tuesday’s roster deadline. Unfortunately, Friday’s preseason finale didn’t tell us much about the competition, as rookie Phil Mafah didn’t see the field until the second half.
However, it was what happened before the game that might have the biggest consequence, as it was revealed that Miles Sanders did not play because he’s injured. Brian Schottenheimer revealed after the game that Sanders banged up is shoulder in practice.
This comes after Sanders missed two weeks with a knee bruise, and it should be the last excuse the Cowboys need to cut him.
Cowboys should cut RB Miles Sanders after he couldn’t play in preseason finale
Sanders was among the biggest standouts early in camp, but the Cowboys clearly prefer Javonte Williams, who’s been a healthy scratch all preseason.
With this latest injury, Sanders finishes preseason action with seven carries for 15 yards and two missed games due to injury. While reports suggest he looked good in practice this week, Dallas has a perfect opportunity here to ensure Mafah doesn’t get claimed on waivers.
Even if Mafah is a healthy scratch in Week 1, he has a much better chance of getting poached on waivers than Sanders, who is 28 years old and has just $1.197 million in guaranteed money.
The former second-round pick would have a good chance to make it back to the practice squad.
This all boils down to making sure Mafah doesn’t get away – not that Mafah is necessarily ready to be a major contributor as a rookie. However, in limited work the Clemson product flashed once again, showing great contact balance and finding the end zone in the fourth quarter.
At best, Sanders is RB3 in arguably the weakest backfield in the NFL. Teams will not be lining up to get him. And on the rare chance he gets scooped up, the Cowboys could find an upgrade somewhere in the graveyard of running backs set to be cut over the next four days.
It’s really anyone’s guess if Sanders or Mafah makes the 53-man roster. A first-year head coach in Brian Schottenheimer might prefer keeping two vets over two rookies, but Sanders is still banged up and no sane team is champing at the bit to sign a 28-year-old back who hasn’t been relevant since 2022.
