Malik Davis will miss the Dallas Cowboys' season opener against the New York Giants after sustaining a hip injury during the team's Friday practice. Davis was taken from the field by cart and later ruled out for Sunday's game.
The running back had been competing for a larger role in Dallas' backfield after a productive preseason. He ran for 68 yards on 12 attempts, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, and added a touchdown reception.
ESPN's Todd Archer reported that Davis was unavailable for the opener and was receiving additional evaluation to determine the injury's seriousness. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler later reported that the Cowboys were preparing for Davis to be absent for an extended period, citing a source who said, "It's bad."
Javonte Williams is expected to remain Dallas' lead running back. During the 2025 season, Williams started 16 games and produced 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries. He also made 35 catches for 137 yards and two receiving scores.
Emari Demercado could see more work behind Williams. Dallas claimed him from the Kansas City Chiefs' waiver wire on September 1. Demercado spent his first three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he totaled 819 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 126 carries, along with 50 receptions for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown.
His work for Arizona included 1,143 rushing yards on 176 touches.
