Malik Davis: Everything you need to know

At this stage, Davis appears to be the frontrunner for the Cowboys' No. 2 running back job, Tommy Yarrish of the team's official site reports. Calf and eye issues resulted in Davis being placed on IR ahead of Week 18 action last season. However, the ensuing offseason afforded the 27-year-old time to recover, and the Florida product will now look to secure backfield slotting behind top option Javonte Williams, who recorded a career-high 252 carries during the 2025 regular season. While working behind Williams in that span, Davis recorded 52 carries for 250 yards and two touchdowns, as well as two catches (on five targets) for 16 yards in 10 contests. Should Davis maintain his standing as Williams' top backup, he'd carry fantasy value as an insurance policy, but Yarrish points out that Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah could compete for the job ahead of the 2026 campaign, making this a situation to monitor in the coming months.

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.