Malik Davis has been ruled out of the Dallas Cowboys’ season-opening game against the New York Giants after a hip injury during practice. He was taken away from the field by cart, and the Cowboys planned additional evaluations. The length of his absence remains unknown.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Dallas was preparing for an extended absence, citing a source who called the injury, “It’s bad.” ESPN’s Todd Archer also reported Davis would not play against New York.
Davis had 12 preseason carries for 68 yards, an average of 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 ran for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries. He added 35 receptions totaling 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Emari Demercado may take on a larger role behind Williams. Dallas claimed him from the Kansas City Chiefs’ waivers on Sept. 1. In three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded 819 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 126 carries, plus 50 catches for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Hunter Luepke and practice-squad running back Israel Abanikanda are also available. Luepke has mainly played fullback but has taken offensive snaps elsewhere, while Abanikanda previously played for the New York Jets. The report was published by sports.yahoo.com on Sept. 12, 2026.
