DAL Malik Davis
NFL player. Position: RB. Team: DAL.
Quick Facts
- Position: RB
- Team: DAL (Dallas Cowboys)
- Tenure: 5-year veteran with Dallas
2026 Outlook
Davis steps into a prominent backup role after the Cowboys waived second-year RB Jaydon Blue and young prospect Phil Mafah before the 2026 season. With Javonte Williams locked in as the workhorse, Davis—a five-year veteran—has earned the backup spot through longevity and fill-in experience. He has totaled 411 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 90 carries while catching eight passes for 79 yards in his Dallas tenure. If Williams suffers injury, Davis becomes the primary back; otherwise, he's a situational depth option and potential pass-catching component in the Cowboys' RB committee (per Cowboys surprisingly waive backup RB. What it means for RB depth chart).
Week 1 injury (September 13): Davis placed on injured reserve with a hip injury, possibly season-ending. This move forced the Cowboys to sign Israel Abanikanda from the practice squad as insurance behind Javonte Williams. Davis' loss removes him from fantasy consideration for 2026 (per NFC East Roundup: Cowboys Shuffle Backfield).
Role / Depth Chart
Backup running back to Javonte Williams. Davis' role is contingency-dependent: if Williams stays healthy, Davis will primarily handle short-yardage situations and occasional pass work. The Cowboys gave several younger options (Blue, Mafah) opportunities but ultimately retained Davis as the primary insurance policy.
Injury Status
Hip injury suffered during practice Friday, Sept 11, 2026 (two days before season opener). Carted off field during practice; Cowboys COO Stephen Jones stated it was "pretty serious" and "could take him out for some period of time" (per Cowboys get tough injury news right before season opener vs. Giants). Placed on injured reserve before 2026 season opener. Reported as possibly season-ending.
Recent News
- 2026-09-11 — Hip injury during practice, carted off field; Cowboys COO describes as "pretty serious" (Cowboys get tough injury news right before season opener vs. Giants)
- 2026-09-13 — Placed on injured reserve with hip injury; Israel Abanikanda called up as replacement (NFC East Roundup: Cowboys Shuffle Backfield)
- 2026-09-04 — Week 1 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Target Tyler Shough and Malik Davis (Week 1 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Target Tyler Shough and Malik Davis)
- 2026-08-30 — Waived RBs Blue and Mafah, Davis earns backup job (Cowboys surprisingly waive backup RB. What it means for RB depth chart)