Malik Davis: Everything you need to know

The Cowboys placed Davis (eye/calf) on injured reserve Saturday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. Davis was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants due to eye and calf injuries that he sustained against the Commanders on Christmas Day. Both Davis and Javonte Williams (shoulder) were placed on injured reserve, which corresponded with the Cowboys activating Josh Butler (knee) from the reserve/PUP list and Phil Mafah (shoulder) from injured reserve. Davis will finish the 2025 season with 52 carries for 250 yards and two touchdowns along with two catches (on five targets) for 16 yards.

Davis (eye/calf) and Javonte Williams (neck/shoulder) have been ruled out for Sunday's game at the Giants, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. Davis reportedly still can't see well after taking a blow to the eye during last week's win over Washington. He finished the game with 20 carries for 103 yards, both career highs, arguably making him the favorite for the No. 2 RB role in Dallas next year. Williams is scheduled for free agency, but the Cowboys likely will re-sign him or pursue a replacement. The 27-year-old Davis has some parallels to Rico Dowdle, who also lingered around the Dallas roster and practice squad for years before getting his shot as the No. 2 RB, which he later parlayed into a starting job.

Davis (calf/eye) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports. It's the second straight DNP to begin Week 18 prep for Davis, who rumbled for 103 yards on 20 carries against Washington on Christmas Day after No. 1 RB Javonte Williams (shoulder/neck) departed early. Williams has also been held out of practice the first two days this week, so the Cowboys' backfield could be severely depleted for the season finale against the Giants on Sunday. If neither Davis nor Williams is able to suit up in that game, Jaydon Blue figures to take on lead-back duties.