Malik Davis will miss the Dallas Cowboys' season-opening game against the New York Giants after a hip injury during Friday practice. He was transported from the field by cart, and further evaluations were planned. ESPN's Todd Archer reported he would not play, while Jeremy Fowler said Dallas was preparing for a longer absence.
Fowler attributed the assessment to a source who described the injury as bad, though the timetable remains unknown.
Davis had emerged as a backfield option after recording 68 yards on 12 preseason carries, an average of 5.7 yards per attempt. He also scored once as a receiver.
Javonte Williams is expected to continue as Dallas' top running back. In 16 starts during the 2025 season, he ran for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 attempts. Williams added 35 catches for 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Emari Demercado could see increased opportunities behind Williams. Dallas added him from the Kansas City Chiefs' waiver list on Sept. 1. In his first three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Demercado totaled 819 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 126 carries, plus 50 receptions for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown.