Malik Davis will not play in the Dallas Cowboys’ season opener against the New York Giants after suffering a hip injury during the team’s Friday practice. Davis was taken from the field by cart and later ruled unavailable for the game.
ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that Davis was undergoing additional evaluation to determine the extent of the injury. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler later reported that Dallas was preparing for Davis to miss an extended period, citing a team source who said, “It’s bad.”
Davis had been competing for a larger role in the Cowboys’ backfield after a productive preseason. He ran 12 times for 68 yards, an average of 5.7 yards per carry, and added a touchdown on a reception.
Javonte Williams is expected to remain Dallas’ top running back. During the 2025 season, Williams started 16 games and produced 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries. He also caught 35 passes for 137 yards and two receiving scores.
Emari Demercado could receive more work behind Williams. Dallas claimed Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 1. He previously spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he recorded 819 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 126 carries, along with 50 receptions for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown.
