Malik Davis will not play in the Dallas Cowboys' season-opening game against the New York Giants after a hip injury during Friday practice. He was taken off the field by cart, and further evaluations were planned. ESPN's Todd Archer reported Davis would miss the game, while ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Dallas was preparing for a longer absence.
Fowler cited a source who described the injury as, “It’s bad.” The timetable remains unknown.
Davis had earned a possible backfield role after rushing 12 times for 68 yards, an average of 5.7 yards per carry, during the preseason. He also scored a receiving touchdown. Javonte Williams is expected to continue as the Cowboys' top running back.
In 16 starts during the 2025 season, Williams gained 1,201 yards and scored 11 touchdowns on 252 carries. He added 35 receptions for 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Emari Demercado may see additional opportunities behind Williams. Dallas claimed him from the Kansas City Chiefs' waiver list on Sept. 1. In three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded 819 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 126 carries, plus 50 catches for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Hunter Luepke and practice-squad running back Israel Abanikanda are also available. Luepke has mainly been a fullback while also lining up at running back and other offensive spots. Abanikanda previously played for the New York Jets.
