Malik Davis has been ruled out of the Dallas Cowboys’ season opener against the New York Giants because of a hip injury sustained during Friday practice. He was taken from the field by cart, and further evaluations were planned. The length of his absence remains unclear. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Dallas was preparing for an extended absence, citing a source who said, “It’s bad.”
Javonte Williams is expected to continue as the Cowboys’ top running back. In 16 starts during the 2025 season, Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries. He also had 35 receptions for 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Emari Demercado could see increased work behind Williams. Dallas claimed him off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 1. Demercado spent his first three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, totaling 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. Davis had 68 yards and a touchdown as a receiver on 12 preseason carries, an average of 5.7 yards per attempt. The report was published Sept. 12, 2026, by sports.yahoo.com.
