Malik Davis’ rise to the Cowboys’ No. 2 running back spot ended with a season-ending hip injury during Friday’s practice. The team said Davis was carted from the field after the non-contact outdoor workout at The Star in Frisco, which was only slightly more involved than a walk-through. He underwent surgery later that night.
Davis had won the backup job behind Javonte Williams after competing through most of August. His training camp and preseason performances had positioned him to contribute in the Cowboys’ Sunday game against the Giants. Stephen Jones, the team’s chief operating officer, told 105.3 The Fan that Davis’ injury was disappointing for both Davis and the Cowboys.
Jones also said Davis had secured the role through his work, leaving the team to depend on other players.
The Cowboys signed veteran Emari Demercado for depth and special teams help. Israel Abanikanda, who is on the practice squad, could also get more opportunities. The team could elevate Abanikanda for the game or place him on the active roster.
Davis backed up Williams last season, rushing for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He joined Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2022, played 12 games as a rookie and gained 161 yards. After two seasons on the practice squad, he returned to the roster last training camp and recorded 103 yards in his only career game above 100 yards.
