Malik Davis Injury News & Updates

Davis was elevated from the Cowboys' practice squad ahead of Monday night's game against the Raiders, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

It's a sign that Davis could be active as the Cowboys' RB2 ahead of rookie Jaydon Blue. Davis has appeared in three games this season, logging 89 snaps on offense and 275 on special teams. He's carried the ball three times for just six yards.

The Cowboys signed Davis to their practice squad Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Davis was not claimed by another team after Dallas waived him Tuesday, and now he's back with the club's practice squad. With Javonte Williams and rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue currently the only healthy running backs on the 53-man roster, Davis again could become a candidate for elevation after the Cowboys' bye in Week 10.

Dallas waived Davis on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The Cowboys signed Davis to their active roster Monday ahead of their game versus the Cardinals, but now he's headed to waivers just one day later. He could be a candidate to join back up with Dallas' practice squad if he's not claimed by another team during the current waiver period.

Davis is active but fellow RB Jaydon Blue (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Cardinals.

Davis was signed from the practice squad to the active roster Monday, and now he and Hunter Luepke will be the options at running back behind starter Javonte Williams. Blue lost a fumble during the Cowboys' Week 8 loss at Denver, so this move appears to be related to performance. In any case, Davis has just two carries for three yards in two previous appearances this season, and he's unlikely to carve too much into Williams' workhorse role Week 9.

The Cowboys signed Davis off their practice squad prior to Monday's game versus the Cardinals.

Davis was eligible to elevated from the Cowboys' practice squad one more time, but Dallas instead elected to make him a permanent member of the 53-man roster ahead of Monday's contest. He'll provide depth at running back behind Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue but is likely to provide most of his contributions on the Cowboys' special-teams units.

Davis reverted to the Cowboys' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Davis was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's 44-24 loss to the Broncos, logging two carries for three yards while playing four offensive snaps. Additionally, he was on the field for 20 snaps with the special-teams unit. Davis can be elevated one more time before the team would have to officially sign him to the active roster.

Davis was elevated to the Cowboys' active roster Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

With Miles Sanders (knee/ankle) and Phil Mafah (shoulder) both on injured reserve, Davis' elevation provides the Cowboys with running-back depth. The Florida product was active for Dallas' Week 7 win over the Commanders, failing to record an offensive stat across 19 total snaps (18 on special teams, one on offense). He's expected to play a similar role in the Week 8 matchup against the Broncos on Sunday.

Davis reverted to the Cowboys' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Davis was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's 44-22 win over Washington, failing to record any stats on his only offensive snap. The running back was also on the field for 18 snaps on special teams, recording two tackles on kick coverage and one on punt coverage. Davis is eligible to be elevated two more times before he'd have to be officially signed to the active roster.

The Cowboys elevated Davis from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Davis opted to stay in Dallas as a member of the team's practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp. He'll be elevated to the active roster for the first time this season, and he will provide help on special teams and backfield depth behind Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue for Sunday's NFC East tilt against the Commanders.

Davis signed with the Cowboys practice squad Wednesday.

Davis cleared waivers after being let go Tuesday, and he will now stick around Dallas as a member of the team's practice unit. The running back didn't appear in a game with the team in 2024 after three appearances the year before, so he'll look to earn an elevation again in 2025.

The Cowboys waived Davis on Tuesday.

Davis began the offseason signing a reserve/future deal with the Cowboys, then after being cut by the team late April got a chance to re-sign early August and provide preseason depth. He spent time on the team's practice squad last season and could be a candidate to re-sign there again.

Davis signed a contract with the Cowboys on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Davis gives the Cowboys additional depth at running back while Miles Sanders (knee) and Alfred Blue (heel) recover from injuries. Despite the short turnaround before Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams, Davis may see some action, as he should have a quicker learning curve after spending last season on Dallas' practice squad.

The Cowboys waived Davis on Wednesday.

The Florida product signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys in early January after spending the entire 2024 season on the team's practice squad. However, it now appears Dallas has decided to move in another direction. Davis last appeared in an NFL regular-season game in 2023, playing 45 special-teams snaps across three contests.

The Cowboys signed Davis to a reserve/future contract Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Davis spent the entire 2024 regular season on the Cowboys' practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp in late August. He wasn't elevated to the active roster for a single game, but he'll stick around in Dallas and participate in offseason training programs to compete for a roster spot for the 2025 campaign.

Davis signed with the Cowboys' practice squad Wednesday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

The Cowboys opted to keep Deuce Vaughn on the initial 53-man roster behind Ezekiell Elliott and Rico Dowdle. Dallas also signed sign Dalvin Cook to the practice squad Wednesday, and he could be added to the active roster ahead of Week 1. Davis will have a chance to be elevated to the game-day roster should any of the aforementioned running backs miss any time.

The Cowboys waived Davis on Tuesday.

Davis appeared in three regular-season games for the Cowboys in 2023 while spending most of the season on the practice squad. He entered training camp battling Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman for a backup running back role behind Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott. Davis didn't get a lot of opportunities across his three preseason outings, finishing with 18 carries for 60 yards while adding three catches on seven targets for 18 yards. Assuming he clears waivers, Davis could look to remain in Dallas on the practice squad or explore his opportunities elsewhere.

Davis carried the ball five times for 28 yards and caught his only target for minus-2 yards in Saturday's 26-19 preseason loss to the Chargers. He also returned one kickoff for 25 yards.

Davis got the start once again in the backfield with Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott sitting out, but he quickly yielded snaps to Deuce Vaughn and eventually Royce Freeman. Which of those backs will claim depth roles on the RB depth chart remains unclear, but Davis at least didn't seem to hurt his chances with a solid, if abbreviated, performance Saturday.

Davis rushed five times for 14 yards and returned one kickoff for 14 yards in the Cowboys' 27-12 preseason win over the Raiders on Saturday night.

Davis was the first Cowboys running back to log a touch with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle sitting out, but he found limited success during his time on the field. Davis did not log a touch last season after carrying 38 times for 161 yards and a touchdown and recording six receptions in his rookie 2022 campaign, and he's battling the likes of Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman (groin) for a reserve running back spot with one preseason game remaining.

The Cowboys signed Davis to a reserve/future contract Wednesday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Davis spent the entirety of the 2023 season on Dallas' practice squad, getting called up for three games. He played zero offensive snaps but saw 47 on special teams. Both Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle are scheduled to hit free agency in March.

Davis reverted to the Cowboys' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Davis played 16 snaps on special teams but didn't record any stats during Sunday's 22-20 loss to the Dolphins. The veteran running back has appeared in three games for Dallas this season, but he hasn't yet handled an offensive snap.

The Cowboys elevated Davis to their active roster Saturday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The second-year pro is now in line to appear in his third game of the season Sunday, most likely adding depth to Dallas' special teams unit. Over the course of Davis' two appearances this year, he's played a total of 31 snaps (all as a special-teamer).

Davis reverted to Dallas' practice squad Monday.

Davis has appeared in two games for the Cowboys this season but has played zero offensive snaps. He's seen 31 on special teams.

Davis was elevated from the practice squad by the Cowboys on Saturday, The Dallas Morning News reports.

The running back is listed as fourth on Dallas' depth chart behind Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. Davis has played in one game this season but has yet to see an offensive snap.

Davis reverted to Dallas' practice squad Tuesday.

In his 2023 debut, Davis recorded 14 snaps, all on special teams. As long as Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn remain healthy, Davis' path to carries is essentially nonexistent.

Davis has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of Monday night's game against the Chargers, Nick Harris of the Cowboys' official site reports.

This marks Davis' first elevation of the season, with the running back in line to provide the team with another Week 6 depth behind top back Tony Pollard. During the 2022 season, Davis carried 38 times for 161 yards and a TD, while adding six catches on seven targets for 63 yards in 12 games with Dallas.

Dallas signed Davis to the practice squad Wednesday, Patrik Walker of the team's official site reports.

Davis couldn't make the Cowboys' initial 53-man roster, but the veteran will stick around as an emergency reserve option on the practice squad. At one point fantasy managers eyed Davis as the likeliest top backup to Tony Pollard, but Dallas instead seems set to roll out Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn as depth options, with Ronald Jones (suspension) out the first two games of the regular season.

The Cowboys cut Davis on Tuesday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Davis appeared to be a favorite for the second-string job at one point earlier this offseason but instead tumbled down the depth chart throughout summer. The Cowboys have minimal experience behind Tony Pollard in the backfield, with their initial 53-man roster otherwise showing Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle, plus undrafted fullback Hunter Luepke. Even if there's some rearranging before Week 1, all signs point to Pollard getting a lot of touches in a Sept. 10 season opener against the Giants.

Davis carried the ball 10 times for 42 yards in Saturday's 31-16 preseason win over the Raiders.

None of Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle or Deuce Vaughn played in the contest, leaving Davis as the second back to take the field. Davis worked behind fullback Hunter Luepke, though he still managed to put together his best performance of the preseason on the strength of a 13-yard run. The emergence of Vaughn this preseason hasn't done Davis any favors, and he seems to have tumbled to the bottom of the running back depth chart in Dallas.

Davis rushed eight times for 32 yards and returned one kickoff for 20 yards in the Cowboys' 22-14 preseason loss to the Seahawks on Saturday night.

Davis tied Rico Dowdle, who was the first Cowboys back to log a touch, for the team lead in carries and was second to him in rushing yards during what was a productive night for both backs. The second-year pro was exponentially better on the ground than during a preseason-opening loss to the Jaguars during which he netted only four yards on three carries, but Dowdle's own solid night likely leaves the two very close in their job battle for a backup role heading into next Saturday night's preseason finale versus the Raiders.

Davis was the first back to see action in Tony Pollard's (ankle) absence Saturday, but he struggled to the tune of four yards on three carries and four receptions for 19 yards in a preseason loss to Jacksonville.

Davis is looking to secure the backup role behind Pollard this preseason, so this rough outing will not help his case. Especially after backup candidate Deuce Vaughn (8/50/1) dominated when it was his turn to take the field. Davis did face the opposition's top available defenders at the start of the game, as opposed to Vaughn who roasted second- and third-stringers. That said, Davis will need to rebound quickly against the Seahawks on Saturday if he wants to maintain his top reserve role in an exciting ground attack in Dallas.

Davis appears set to head into Week 1 as the backup to Tony Pollard in the Cowboys backfield, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy refuted the idea the team might bring in Ezekiel Elliott or another veteran back in the wake of Ronald Jones' two-game suspension for a PED violation. "We're not just going to hit a bump and give up on the path," McCarthy said Tuesday. "We want to see these young guys. We want to see them play in games... It's a young [running back] room. We knew that going in." Davis made a positive impression as a rookie in 2022 in limited action, averaging 4.2 yards per carry on 38 totes, and he figures to battle Jones for the No. 2 role behind Pollard once Jones is reinstated. Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle are the other depth options at RB for Dallas.

Davis carried the ball 38 times for 161 yards and a touchdown and caught six of seven targets for 63 yards over 12 games in 2022.

An undrafted rookie out of Florida, Davis made an impression in camp and began the season on the practice squad before taking over the No. 3 RB spot on the Dallas depth chart after Rico Dowdle (ankle) was lost for the year in October. Davis scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 12 against the Colts, but his best performance came with Tony Pollard (ankle) sidelined in Week 17, when the rookie turned 12 touches into 62 yards against a stingy Titans run defense. Both Pollard, an unrestricted free agent, and Ezekiel Elliott, a declining veteran with a big contract, have somewhat uncertain futures with the Cowboys, so depending on what happens in the offseason it's possible Davis will head into 2023 with a more prominent role.

Davis carried the ball five times for 19 yards in Sunday's loss to the Commanders.

The Cowboys' offense ended the regular season with a whimper and scored only six points, while Davis' 19 rushing yards actually tied for the team lead. Heading into a wild-card round matchup with the Buccaneers, the undrafted rookie out of Florida remains firmly behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard on the depth chart, and Davis might only see action Monday if things have gone very well, or very poorly, for Dallas.

Davis rushed 10 times for 39 yards and brought in both targets for 23 yards in the Cowboys' 27-13 win over the Titans on Thursday night.

Davis ended up being much more efficient than backfield mate Ezekiel Elliott, who gained just 39 yards on his 17 carries, albeit while also scoring a touchdown. The undrafted rookie's carry total was a career high, as were his rushing and receiving yardage tallies. Even if Tony Pollard (thigh) garners active status for the Week 18 road matchup against the Commanders a week from Sunday, Davis could still have a role in that game if the Cowboys limit the workload of their top two backs in that contest.

Davis is in line to serve as the top backup to Ezekiel Elliott in Thursday's game against the Titans with Tony Pollard (thigh) listed as questionable but set to be inactive for the contest, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Elliott and Pollard have worked in a fairly equitable timeshare over the past six weeks when both backs have been available, but with Pollard sitting out Week 17, look for Elliott to occupy a larger portion of the backfield work, at least during the first half of the contest. However, with most sportsbooks listing the Cowboys as two-touchdown favorites against a Titans squad that will be breaking in a new starting quarterback (Joshua Dobbs) and resting several key players in a game that doesn't dramatically affect their postseason odds, Dallas could end up turning the game into a runaway by halftime or the third quarter. If that kind of game script comes to fruition, Elliott could be rested for most of the second half, paving the way for Davis to see more opportunities. Most of Davis' opportunities to date this season have come in garbage-time scenarios, with the rookie carrying 23 times for 103 yards and a touchdown and adding four receptions for 40 yards on five targets across 47 total snaps on offense.

Davis carried the ball three times for 29 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 54-19 rout of the Colts.

Seeing action late in the fourth quarter during garbage time with the game well in hand, Davis wrapped up the scoring with a 23-yard TD scamper. It was the rookie's first career touchdown in the NFL, but it may not be his last this season as the Cowboys' high-powered offense could run up the score against more opponents, including the lowly Texans in Week 14.

Davis carried the ball seven times for 13 yards and caught two of three targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 40-3 win over the Vikings.

The Cowboys had plenty of garbage-time snaps to go around, and Davis wound up nearly matching the season-high 10 touches he saw in Week 8 when Ezekiel Elliott was sidelined. Elliott (47 scrimmage yards, two TDs) and Tony Pollard (189 scrimmage yards, two TDs) were both very productive Sunday and remain entrenched in the backfield, so Davis should fall back into a pure depth role for Dallas' Thanksgiving game against the Giants -- assuming the final score is a little bit closer than it was against the Vikings.

Davis rushed five times for 38 yards and was not targeted in Sunday's 31-28 loss to Green Bay.

Ezekiel Elliott (knee) was unable to suit up coming out of the bye, so Davis got another shot to back up Tony Pollard. The undrafted rookie was far more effective this time around (7.6 YPC) after struggling with twice as many touches last week. Zeke's status for next Sunday's tilt against Minnesota is still uncertain, but Davis would need both of the Cowboys' starting running backs to be sidelined to generate value in standard leagues.

Davis gained 23 rushing yards on eight carries and caught both his targets for 18 yards in Sunday's win over the Bears.

With Ezekiel Elliott (knee) sidelined, Davis saw his first action of the season on offense and had a solid performance as the Cowboys' No. 2 running back behind Tony Pollard. Dallas has a Week 9 bye and Elliott could be back in action the following week against the Packers, however, which would relegate Davis back to a special-teams role.

Dallas signed Davis from its practice squad to the 53-man roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game versus Chicago, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

With usual starting running back Ezekiel Elliott (knee) listed as doubtful, the Cowboys saw fit to promote Davis for depth behind Tony Pollard. The rookie UDFA from Florida has played exclusively on special teams through two games this season, but he could see his first NFL carry in Week 8.

Davis reverted to the Cowboys' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Davis was elevated for the second straight week with fellow running back Rico Dowdle (ankle) sidelined on IR during Sunday's win over the Lions. However, the rookie once again exclusively played on special teams (16 snaps), and he has yet to record a carry in his NFL career. Davis is now eligible for one more game-day activation from Dallas' practice squad this season.

The Cowboys elevated Davis from the practice squad Saturday ahead of Sunday's Week 7 clash against Detroit.

Davis was also elevated for last week's game against Philadelphia, but all 15 of his snaps were on special teams. He'll likely fill a similar role Sunday unless either of Ezekiel Elliott or Tony Pollard is forced out of the game.

Davis reverted to the Cowboys' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Davis was promoted to Dallas' game-day roster for the first time this season, as third-string running back Rico Dowdle (ankle) was placed on IR ahead of Sunday's 26-17 loss to the Eagles. The undrafted rookie then played exclusively on special and failed to record a statistic during his NFL debut. Davis will now be eligible for two more elevations while on the Cowboys' practice squad this season.

Dallas elevated Davis from the practice squad to its active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game at the Eagles.

With Rico Dowdle (ankle) headed to the injured reserve list, Davis will now serve as the Cowboys' third running back. The 23-year-old back has not seen NFL game action yet, but he produced well as a rusher at Florida.

Davis has been signed to Dallas' practice squad, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Davis was unable to beat out Rico Dowdle for the No. 3 running back role on the depth chart. He will now continue practicing with the team while he awaits another opportunity for the 53-man roster.

Dallas waived Davis on Tuesday.

Davis failed to beat out Rico Dowdle for the No. 3 spot behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard despite an impressive preseason, but he could very well pop back up on the practice squad. The undrafted rookie out of Florida may have even showcased enough to earn attention on the waiver wire from other clubs.

Davis carried the ball eight times for 37 yards and a touchdown and caught his only target for six yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers.

The undrafted rookie out of Florida continues to make a good impression as he fights for a spot on the Cowboys' initial 53-man roster. Rico Dowdle also scored a rushing TD in the game, however, and Dallas may not have room for both on the backfield depth chart behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. According to Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News, Davis has shown enough promise in camp and the preseason that he likely won't clear waivers if the Cowboys try to place him on the practice squad, so he could wind up making his NFL debut with a team in more need of help at RB.