This story is developing and will be updated.<\/p>\n
This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM.<\/p>\n
FRISCO<\/p>\n
The season starts on Sunday night for the Dallas Cowboys, but it looks like it will begin without veteran Malik Davis.<\/p>\n
The second running back on the depth chart behind Javonte Williams suffered a hip injury in practice Friday afternoon at the team\u2019s facility in Frisco and left the field in a vehicle, a source confirms.<\/p>\n
Davis, 27, battled his way from a forgotten undrafted practice squad player through his first three seasons to the team\u2019s primary backup running back midway through the 2025 season after consistent breakout performances. The Florida product ran for a career-high 250 yards and two touchdowns a year ago, including a 103-yard performance against the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day.<\/p>\n
Despite being behind three running backs at the start of training camp, Davis once again worked his way back near the top of the depth chart after back-to-back strong preseason performances. After the team started camp with Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah as the primary backup running back options, it was Davis who ended up winning the job once again.<\/p>\n
Now, the team will have to turn to newly acquired Emari Demercado<\/a> to be the primary backup to Williams. There won\u2019t be many touches expected for the TCU product, as head coach Brian Schottenheimer said this week that Williams will be the team\u2019s bell cow back<\/a> in 2026 once again.<\/p>\n This story is developing and will be updated.<\/p>\n This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM.<\/p>\n