Davis was carted off the practice field, multiple people familiar with the situation confirmed to The Dallas Morning News, after what director of operations Stephen Jones described as a “pretty serious” injury. The extent of the damage is not yet known. “Very disappointing. Malik has done everything the right way,” Jones said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM). Davis was scheduled to be the team’s No. 2 running back behind starter Javonte Williams. Davis had that job to finish last season. He finished with 90 carries and 416 yards and three touchdowns, including a 43-yard touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving and the first 100-yard game of his career against the Washington Commanders on Christmas. Davis, a former undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2022, entered training camp in a competition with several players for the team’s backup running back spot. He consistently impressed, winning the job over 2025 draft picks Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Both Blue and Mafah were let go during final roster cuts. “I love that guy,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said after the preseason opener against the Seahawks. Davis is also the starting personal protector on the punt team, as well as a fixture on other special teams. Cowboys safety PJ Locke could replace him at guard. As for running back, the Cowboys could turn to Emari Demercado, whom they claimed off waivers from Kansas City. The former TCU running back is familiar with Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams from his time in Arizona. Demercado had 44 carries for 312 yards last season with the Cardinals. Fullback Hunter Luepke and practice squad running back Israel Abanikanda could also be candidates for carries with Davis out.
