Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis was carted off the practice field at the team’s Frisco facility on Friday afternoon after suffering a serious hip injury, underwent surgery on Saturday, and has been officially placed on season-ending injured reserve. The Cowboys confirmed the roster moves on Saturday, simultaneously signing Israel Abanikanda from the practice squad to the active roster to provide backfield depth ahead of Sunday night’s season opener against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Davis underwent surgery Saturday for a hip injury, and Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News confirmed the procedure will sideline the 27-year-old running back for the entire 2026 season. Cowboys COO Stephen Jones did not hide how bleak the initial reports looked, saying on Friday: “I think we’re looking at a pretty serious injury that could take him out for some period of time.”
Malik Davis 2026 Cowboys Season: What His Loss Means
Davis had earned the RB2 role through strong preseason work, totalling 68 yards on 12 carries in August games against Arizona and Seattle after flipping his depth chart position over Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. He had backed up Javonte Williams last season, finishing with 416 rushing yards and three touchdowns in limited carries, including a career-first 100-yard game against Washington on Christmas Day with 103 yards.
Beyond his backfield contribution, Davis was also considered one of the Cowboys’ core special teams players, described by the organisation as a “core four” contributor on kickoff return, kickoff coverage, punt return and punt coverage. Replacing that dual role on two days’ notice is a significant operational challenge for head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s staff.
Israel Abanikanda Gets His Chance for Dallas Cowboys
Abanikanda, a 23-year-old Brooklyn native, has been with Dallas since 2025 and performed well enough in the 2026 preseason to land on the practice squad. He was originally released but the Cowboys retained him in that reserve role. He joins Javonte Williams and recently claimed Emari Demercado as the available running backs for Sunday night.
The Cowboys open the 2026 NFL season against the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, September 13, at 8:20pm ET, broadcast on NBC. Javonte Williams will carry the load as starter. For Davis, the season he had fought four years to reach is over before a regular-season snap has been taken.