Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has been ruled out of the team’s season-opening game against the New York Giants after sustaining a hip injury during Friday practice. Davis was taken from the field by cart, and additional evaluations were planned to determine the injury’s severity.
ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that Davis would not play against New York. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler later reported that Dallas was preparing for Davis to miss an extended period, citing a source who said, “It’s bad.” The length of Davis’ absence is not yet clear.
Davis had been positioned to contribute in the Cowboys’ backfield after a productive preseason. He carried 12 times for 68 yards, an average of 5.7 yards per attempt, and scored a touchdown as a receiver.
Javonte Williams is expected to remain Dallas’ leading running back. During the 2025 season, Williams produced 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries in 16 starts. He also made 35 catches for 137 yards and two receiving scores.
Emari Demercado could receive more work behind Williams. The Cowboys claimed Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 1. He spent his first three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, recording 819 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 126 carries, along with 50 receptions for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown.
