Malik Davis will miss the season after suffering a hip injury during practice Friday, the Cowboys said. He was taken from the field by cart and required surgery later that night before being designated for season-ending injured reserve.
The injury occurred during an outdoor workout at The Star in Frisco. The session was non-contact and was described as only slightly more involved than a walk-through.
Davis had secured the No. 2 running back position behind Javonte Williams after competing for the job through most of August. He had performed well during training camp and the preseason, and the team expected him to contribute to its offensive plans in the Cowboys' Sunday game against the Giants.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys' chief operating officer, said in an interview with 105.3 The Fan that the injury was disappointing for Davis and the team. Jones said Davis had earned the backup role through his work and that the Cowboys would need to rely on other players.
The Cowboys signed veteran Emari Demercado to provide depth and assist on special teams. With Davis unavailable, Demercado and Israel Abanikanda, who is on the practice squad, could receive additional opportunities. The team could elevate Abanikanda for the game or add him to the active roster.
Davis backed up Williams last season and recorded 252 rushing yards and two touchdowns. An undrafted free agent who joined the Cowboys in 2022, Davis played 12 games as a rookie and ran for 161 yards.
