FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis was ruled out of Sunday's season opener against the New York Giants and could miss more time because of a hip injury suffered in Friday's practice, according to the team.
Davis was carted from the field after suffering the injury and taken for additional testing and examination.
Executive vice president Stephen Jones told 1053.3 The Fan in Dallas that Davis suffered a, "pretty serious injury that could take him out for some period of time."
Davis won the backup job to Javonte Williams with an impressive training camp in which he was limited early in practice with carries as the Cowboys wanted to look at second-year backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. In two preseason games, Davis ran for 68 yards on 12 carries. He also caught one pass for an 8-yard touchdown.
He is the second key contributor the Cowboys lost this week. Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith had left thumb surgery at the start of the week and will miss at least the first four games on injured reserve.
Cut by the Cowboys in the spring of 2025, Davis rejoined the club before the final preseason game last summer and earned a spot on the practice squad. By the end of the regular season, he was the No. 2 running back, finishing with 250 yards on 52 carries and two scores. He had a 103-yard effort against the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day.
His absence means the Cowboys will count on Emari Demercado, who was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs after the final cuts, and fullback Hunter Luepke behind Williams.
In three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, which coincided with the time of Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, Demercado had 819 yards rushing and three scores on 126 carries, while catching 50 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown.
The Cowboys also have Israel Abanikanda on the practice squad. Blue joined the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad after he was released. Mafah remains unsigned.
There is a trickle-down effect to special teams, as well, where Davis was seen as a "core four," player on kickoff return and coverage and punt return and coverage. He served as the personal protector on the punt team and was credited with seven special teams' tackles a year ago.