Malik Davis will not play in the Dallas Cowboys' season-opening game against the New York Giants after hurting his hip during Friday's practice. He was taken off the field by cart, and further examinations were planned.
The duration of his absence remains unknown, although ESPN's Jeremy Fowler cited a source describing the injury as “bad” and reported that Dallas was preparing for Davis to miss an extended period. ESPN's Todd Archer also reported that Davis would be out against New York.
Davis had been expected to contribute after recording 68 yards on 12 preseason carries, an average of 5.7 yards per attempt. He also scored a receiving touchdown.
Javonte Williams is expected to continue as Dallas' primary running back. In 16 starts during the 2025 season, he gained 1,201 rushing yards and scored 11 touchdowns on 252 carries. Williams added 35 receptions for 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Emari Demercado may see a larger role behind him. Dallas claimed Demercado from the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 1, after he spent his first three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he totaled 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.
