The Dallas Cowboys haven’t made any controversial cuts yet, but that could change in an instant. While they have myriad tough calls to make, everyone’s eyes are on the running back position.

It seems that Deuce Vaughn is a long shot to make the team despite a strong end to preseason. That puts the final spot between Miles Sanders and rookie Phil Mafah. You’d be hard-pressed to find a Cowboys fan out there that wants Dallas to keep Sanders over Mafah.

While Sanders is likely being kept, the Cowboys have done some roster manipulating to ensure that Mafah doesn’t go anywhere. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Mafah will go on injured reserve with a shoulder injury with the goal for him to return this season.

Cowboys will not lose RB Phil Mafah after all after surprising IR move

It did not appear that Mafah got too banged up in Friday’s preseason finale. He didn’t practice on Monday, but this reeks of a classic Cowboys stash so that the talented seventh-rounder wasn’t subjected to waivers. If that is the case, then bravo.

The Cowboys say Mafah has a shoulder injury, which is ironic given he had surgery in December to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He played through it at Clemson last year and still rushed for over 1,000 yards as a senior. It’s unclear if it is the same shoulder that’s giving him problems now.

Again, though, this could just be a chess move by the front office.

Think about it: do the Cowboys really want to carry two rookie running backs into the season opener against the Eagles in a hostile road environment? Jaydon Blue is on the team and Javonte Williams is penciled in as the starter.

While Sanders did not perform well in preseason, this will be his seventh season in the NFL. The Cowboys want him on the active roster to start the year, especially for Week 1 in Philly where a rookie might be more susceptible to an illegal formation, failing to pick up a pass-blocking assignment or not being where they’re supposed to be on a checkdown.

This is all conjecture, but reading between the lines, Dallas may want to give Sanders the first four weeks to prove he can still play. If the running game struggles – as many expect – the coaching staff could then activate Mafah to see if he can spark the offense.

Regardless of the plan, the important thing is that Mafah isn’t going anywhere. Stashing him on injured reserve is admittedly a cheeky move, but if you’re not manipulating the roster rules, you aren’t trying.