The Dallas Cowboys will begin the season against the New York Giants without running back Malik Davis, who suffered a hip injury during Friday’s practice. Davis was carted away from the field, and the team planned further evaluations to determine the injury’s severity. ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that Davis would not play, while Jeremy Fowler reported Dallas was preparing for a longer absence.
A source cited by Fowler described the injury as, “It’s bad.” The length of Davis’ absence remains unknown.
The injury follows a productive preseason in which Davis gained 68 yards on 12 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt, and scored once as a receiver. Javonte Williams is expected to continue as Dallas’ top running back. In 16 starts during the 2025 season, Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 attempts.
He also recorded 35 receptions, totaling 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Emari Demercado may take on a larger role behind Williams. Dallas acquired him through waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 1. In three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, he had 819 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 126 carries, plus 50 catches for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown.
