Malik Davis will miss the season after the Dallas Cowboys said he suffered a hip injury during Friday practice. The running back was taken off the field by cart, underwent surgery later that night and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. The injury happened during a non-contact outdoor workout at The Star in Frisco that was just beyond a walk-through in intensity.
Davis had won the backup running back spot after a competition that lasted through much of August, with Javonte Williams holding the starting role. He had a strong training camp and preseason, and the Cowboys expected him to have an offensive role in Sunday’s game against the Giants. Davis backed up Williams last season, gaining 252 rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns.
The Cowboys signed veteran Emari Demercado for backfield depth and special-teams help. Israel Abanikanda, who is on the practice squad, may also get more chances, either through a game elevation or a move to the active roster.
Stephen Jones, the team’s chief operating officer, told 105.3 The Fan that the injury was disappointing for Davis and the team and said Davis had earned the role through his work. Jones added that other players would need to take on the responsibility.
Davis joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2022, played 12 games as a rookie with 161 rushing yards, then spent two seasons on the practice squad. He returned at last year’s training camp, made the roster and posted 103 yards in his only career game above 100 yards.
