Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis was ruled out of Sunday's season opener against the New York Giants and could miss more time because of a hip injury suffered in Friday's practice, according to sources. Davis was carted from the field after the injury and taken for additional testing and examination.
Sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that the Cowboys are bracing for an extended absence, with one source describing Davis' injury as "bad." Davis had won the backup job to Javonte Williams with an impressive training camp, during which he was limited early in practice with carries as the Cowboys wanted to look at second-year backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.
Davis is the second key contributor the Cowboys have lost this week. Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith had left thumb surgery at the start of the week and will miss at least the first four games on injured reserve.
Cut by the Cowboys in the spring of 2025, Davis rejoined the club before the final preseason game last summer and earned a spot on the practice squad. By the end of the regular season, he was the No. 2 running back, finishing with 250 yards on 52 carries and two scores, including a 103-yard effort against the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day.
With Davis out, the Cowboys will count on Emari Demercado, who was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs after final cuts, and fullback Hunter Luepke behind Williams. In three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, which coincided with the time of Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, Demercado had 819 yards rushing and three scores on 126 carries, while catching 50 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown.
