The Cowboys signed veteran Emari Demercado for running back depth and special teams after Malik Davis suffered a season-ending hip injury during Friday’s practice. Davis was taken from the field by cart, underwent surgery later that night and was placed on injured reserve.
Davis had won the No. 2 running back job behind Javonte Williams after competing for it through most of August. The outdoor workout at The Star in Frisco was non-contact and only slightly more involved than a walk-through. The team had expected Davis to contribute in its offensive plans for Sunday’s game against the Giants.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ chief operating officer, said in an interview with 105.3 The Fan that the injury was disappointing for Davis and the team. Jones said Davis earned the backup role through his work, leaving the Cowboys to rely on other players.
Demercado and Israel Abanikanda, who is on the practice squad, could get more opportunities, and the team could elevate Abanikanda or add him to the active roster.
Davis had 252 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season. He joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2022, played 12 games as a rookie and ran for 161 yards. After two seasons on the practice squad, he returned last year, made the roster and recorded 103 rushing yards in his only career game over 100 yards.