The Cowboys signed running back Israel Abanikanda from their practice squad after Malik Davis suffered a serious hip injury that will require surgery. Abanikanda is expected to become the team’s third running back behind Javonte Williams and Emari Demercado.
Davis had held the No. 2 running back position through training camp while competing with Jaydon Blue. Dallas waived Blue at the end of the preseason and claimed Demercado from Kansas City. Demercado is set to work behind Williams in Sunday’s season opener against the New York Giants. Fullback Hunter Luepke is also on the roster.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will handle much of the defensive communication responsibility during the opener. Schottenheimer said other players may perform the role in different packages, but Overshown will take on most of the work relaying calls on the field.
A prediction roundup cited a 48.5-point over-under for the Cowboys-Giants game. One prediction favored the Cowboys and the under, citing Dallas’ experience and the possibility of weather affecting the Sunday night game.
The roundup also discussed receiver Ryan Flournoy’s contract, including a $1.5 million base salary and a $500,000 roster bonus for 2027. It said Dallas could save about $2 million against the salary cap by trading Flournoy before the roster bonus is paid, while describing him as a possible trade asset if he improves in 2026.
