Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has received a fine of $6,735 due to an infraction for unnecessary roughness during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. The incident occurred in the first quarter, specifically at the 12:07 mark, when Davis gained five yards on a carry.
Although he was not penalized during the game, the NFL later issued the fine as part of its standard procedure for preseason infractions.
This fine makes Davis the only Cowboys player to be penalized during the preseason. The highest fine levied in the league during this period went to Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Tytus Howard, who was fined $12,537 for a similar offense in Week 1 of the preseason.
Davis is currently in the second year of a two-year, $2.1 million contract, with a base salary of $1.1 million for 2026. The fine represents approximately 0.6% of his salary. All fines collected by the NFL are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which supports athletes in need and promotes health and safety initiatives across various levels of football.
In terms of his role on the team, Davis competed for the backup running back position throughout the offseason against Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Despite initial expectations that Blue might secure a roster spot, he was cut along with Mafah, allowing Davis to take the backup role behind starting running back Javonte Williams.
