Davis was carted off the practice field, multiple people familiar with the situation confirmed to The Dallas Morning News, after what COO Stephen Jones described as a “pretty serious” injury. The extent of the damage is not yet known. 

“Very disappointing. Malik has done everything the right way,” Jones said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM). 

Davis was slated to be the team’s second running back behind starter Javonte Williams.

Davis had that job to end last season. He finished with 90 carries and 416 yards and three touchdowns, including a 43-yard touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving and his first-career 100-yard game against the Washington Commanders on Christmas. 

Davis, a former undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2022, entered training camp in a competition with multiple players for the team’s backup running back spot. He impressed consistently, winning the job over 2025 draft picks Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Both Blue and Mafah were waived during final roster cuts. 

“I love that guy,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said after the first preseason game against the Seahawks. 

Davis also is the starting personal protector on punt team, as well as a fixture on other special teams. Cowboys safety P.J. Locke could replace him at personal protector. 

As for running back, the Cowboys could turn to Emari Demercado, whom they claimed on waivers from Kansas City.

The former TCU running back has familiarity with Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams from their time in Arizona. Demercado had 44 carries for 312 yards last season with the Cardinals.

Fullback Hunter Luepke and practice squad running back Israel Abanikanda could also be candidates for carries with Davis out.