Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has been fined $6,735 for an infraction related to unnecessary roughness during a preseason matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. The incident took place in the first quarter at the 12:07 mark, following a five-yard gain by Davis.
The NFL later imposed the fine as part of its routine process for preseason violations, despite Davis not being penalized in the game.
Davis is the only player from the Cowboys to face a fine during the preseason. The largest fine issued in the league during this time was to Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Tytus Howard, who received a penalty of $12,537 for a comparable infraction in Week 1 of the preseason.
Currently, Davis is in the second year of a two-year contract worth $2.1 million, which includes a base salary of $1.1 million for 2026. This fine constitutes about 0.6% of his salary. All fines collected by the NFL are directed to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which aids athletes in need and promotes health and safety initiatives within football.
In terms of team dynamics, Davis has been vying for the backup running back position against Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. With Blue and Mafah being cut, Davis secured the backup role behind starting running back Javonte Williams. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Davis's consistent performance and work ethic, emphasizing his contributions to the team's competitiveness.
