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Blogging The Boys fantasy football takes on Malik Davis
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Blogging The Boys about Malik Davis.
65
Insights
34
Positive
17
Negative
Insight ledger
All Blogging The Boys insights about Malik Davis
NegativeInjurySep 15, 2026
Malik Davis underwent season-ending hip surgery in practice, creating an immediate vacancy in the Cowboys running back depth chart. This injury prompted Dallas to accelerate roster moves, including signing Goodson and Abanikanda to the active roster.NegativeInjurySep 14, 2026
Running back Malik Davis was placed on injured reserve after suffering a non-contact hip injury, as confirmed by head coach Brian Schottenheimer speaking for the first time since the injury.NegativeInjurySep 13, 2026
Suffered a serious hip injury requiring surgery; lost the No. 2 running back role behind Javonte Williams, which he held through training camp. His injury directly triggered the Cowboys' need to fortify the running back position and led to the signing of Israel Abanikanda as his replacement.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Placed on injured reserve with a hip injury; sources indicate it could be season-ending. Davis's absence opens opportunity for Israel Abanikanda to be signed from the practice squad to the active roster.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Backup running back Malik Davis suffered a serious hip injury requiring surgery before Week 1, creating depth chart uncertainty for the Cowboys running back room.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Davis suffered a hip injury on Friday requiring surgery and will be sidelined for an extended period; he had earned the RB2 role during training camp, beating out Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but the injury removes him from the backfield and opens the door for Demercado to assume a larger role.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Running back suffered a serious hip injury during Friday practice and will undergo hip surgery on Saturday, placed on injured reserve. Cowboys COO Stephen Jones characterized it as a 'pretty serious' injury that could sideline Davis for an extended period. Davis had earned the RB2 role behind Javonte Williams during training camp and preseason but will now miss significant time including Sunday's game in New York.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Running back ruled out for Week 1 vs. Giants after suffering a hip injury during Friday practice; the team considers the injury potentially serious with timeline to be determined. Davis had won the backup running back job over Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah during the preseason.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
RB2 who earned the role after strong preseason and training camp suffered a hip injury that has put his Week 1 status versus the New York Giants in serious doubt; left practice in a vehicle on Friday.NegativeRoleSep 8, 2026
Backup running back in depth chart behind Javonte Williams; also a 'four-core' special teams player (eligible for all units), showing similar versatility profile to Emari Demercado in the Cowboys' backfield rotation.NegativeUsageSep 7, 2026
Fined $6,735 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness and illegal use of helmet in preseason Week 2 against Arizona Cardinals at the 12:07 mark of the first quarter; notably, Davis was the only Cowboys player fined during the entire preseason.PositiveRoleSep 2, 2026
Undrafted veteran running back won the roster spot over Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in training camp and preseason competition; showcased value not only as a runner but also on special teams, spending time as punt protector and contributing in other special teams phases last season; represents the Cowboys' preference for players who can contribute immediately rather than developmental prospects.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
Solidified as the incumbent RB2 with strong organizational support; coaching staff emphasizes Davis's proven worth and reliability over multiple roster cycles. Schottenheimer highlighted Davis as a veteran learning resource, noting he went from being on the street with minimal workout interest to becoming a 'very, very valuable member' of the team.PositiveDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Malik Davis won the RB2 role for the Cowboys and made the 53-man roster, beating out Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Israel Abanikanda decisively enough to push all other running back competitors off the roster entirely. Davis is one of two similar backs on the roster alongside starter Javonte Williams, both at their best pounding the rock between the tackles. The Cowboys showed a desire to get in on multiple tight end usage trends, and Williams and Davis are the best 'no nonsense' backs to keep for these looks. The source notes the Cowboys prefer to keep players they plan on using in the regular season on ice during exhibition season, and the tea leaves pointed to Davis earning the RB2 role.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Malik Davis was kept on the Cowboys' 53-man roster at running back, with all other backups released. The source indicates the team hopes to get some of the released backup running backs back on the practice squad.PositiveRoleAug 31, 2026
Most consistent backup all offseason and now sits as RB2 after the Cowboys' backfield cuts; however, the team lacks a reliable third running back, suggesting Dallas may add from waiver wire or free agency.PositiveDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
Not playing Davis in the preseason finale cements his spot on the 53-man roster, indicating the team has confidence in his roster position.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Davis is one of the Cowboys' top two running backs and is a roster lock for the 53-man squad.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Davis emerged as the clear RB2 during the offseason, winning the competition for the second running back role. While he may never be a workhorse back, the source notes he does a lot of things well and serves as a perfect depth piece behind Williams.PositiveDepth ChartAug 28, 2026
Davis emerged as a major winner of training camp, improving from 1-of-3 July projections to unanimous 3-of-3 selection as a strong bet for the 53-man roster, a dramatic reversal from his initial also-ran status.PositiveRoleAug 27, 2026
Davis is consensus across all four panelists as the safest RB2 option due to consistency and reliability, making him a lock for the 53-man roster in the secondary running back role.PositiveDepth ChartAug 27, 2026
Running back competing with Jaydon Blue for the RB2 spot behind Javonte Williams. Started training camp behind both Blue and Phil Mafah but has surpassed Blue through strong preseason performance. After the first preseason game, Davis looked to have surpassed Blue, then showed more of the same with a good performance against the Cardinals, though both runners played to a stalemate last Saturday.PositiveRoleAug 27, 2026
Malik Davis is trending upward as the Cowboys' backup running back and change-of-pace option. Despite not being flashy, Davis has no major holes in his game: he executes what's blocked on run plays, catches passes, blocks at a high level in pass protection, and contributes on special teams. In the latest preseason game, he caught a touchdown pass, blocked to set up a big play, and rushed for nearly 6 yards per attempt, finally showing up as a viable depth piece.PositiveRoleAug 26, 2026
Malik Davis not only refuses to be a roster cut this year, but he'd prefer the RB2 role; the source notes Davis looks the part and appears to have settled in that role, making him a lock for the 53-man roster.PositiveRoleAug 26, 2026
Malik Davis is assumed to have done enough to remain the backup running back behind starter Javonte Williams, though the position remains unsettled with competition from Jayden Blue, Phil Mafah, and Israel Abanikanda.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Malik Davis is named as a potential candidate to serve as Javonte Williams' backup running back for the Cowboys in 2026, competing with Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and external options. The source frames the backup role as critical to implementing a 60/40 carry split strategy to manage Williams' workload.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Davis has surpassed Jaydon Blue as the favored RB2 to back up Javonte Williams, replacing Phil Mafah on the 53-man roster projection after a strong preseason showing.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Davis got the nod over Jaydon Blue at running back in the Arizona game, receiving 14 snaps compared to Blue's 27 snaps, indicating Davis was the primary starter despite lower snap count.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Davis garnered three votes as an honorable mention in the 2026 Camp MVP voting, appearing on multiple sources' standout lists and earning recognition as a best story candidate.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Davis again looked good in his limited opportunities with 5 carries, and impressed beyond the run game by catching a touchdown on a scramble drill from Milton on third and goal in the red zone, and executing a key blitz pickup on Camden Brown's big gain that set up Milton's QB draw touchdown. The source notes Davis 'gained even more confidence from the coaching staff as a legitimate candidate to be RB2,' suggesting elevated role consideration.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
The source identifies Davis as a Stock Up player and declares 'Ladies and gentlemen, we have found the RB2 for the Dallas Cowboys.' The source compares Davis to Jourdan Lewis in terms of roster persistence — 'how he is just hanging around the roster and refuses to let the team move on from him.' The source notes that while some of Davis' roster security stems from other RB2 candidates not stepping up, 'the point is that if you give him an inch he is going ot make the absolute most with it,' with the source expressing strong conviction: 'I want that dude on my team.'PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
The veteran running back solidified his roster spot with another strong preseason performance. Davis started the game and ran five times for 29 yards while adding a touchdown reception on an eight-yard dump-off pass. The source notes he will be on the Cowboys roster again, emphasizing his ability to make people miss and thump through defenders.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Malik Davis took a big step in the RB2 battle, starting the game and scoring a touchdown reception from Joe Milton in the first quarter, demonstrating offensive involvement and red zone opportunity access early in the preseason.PositiveProjectionAug 22, 2026
After a strong preseason game 1 performance, the veteran running back has set the bar for other RBs on the roster bubble, running with decisive vision and good bursts while maximizing yards out of every hole; his performance reminds the team why he belongs on the roster.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Veteran RB Malik Davis is competing for the backup running back role behind Javonte Williams and could secure the RB2 job despite being somewhat overlooked in the competition. While he may lack the flash of second-year backs Jaydon Blue or the Marshawn Lynch-type runs of Phil Mafah, Davis brings consistency—"something we have not seen yet from any of the young backs." The focus heading into the Cowboys' second preseason game has shifted to Davis as a potential winner of the backup role.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Fourth-year RB competing for Cowboys RB2 job behind Javonte Williams; has inside track to roster spot and significant role given injuries to Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in preseason. Davis brings consistency (4.8 yards per carry, 2 TDs in 2025 after 52 carries) and has impressed when given opportunities despite being waived twice in 2025 before earning active roster spot. With Blue and Mafah limited in practices, Davis will see heavy workload in week two preseason game against Cardinals.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
Davis earned primary backup reps to Javonte Williams in Monday practice after strong preseason showing (team-high 39 yards on seven carries vs. Seattle); positioned as RB2 with plus burst and decisiveness at the line of scrimmage to make something out of nothing; benefited from injuries to Mafah (ribs) and Abanikanda (ribs) but source credits proven results and physical running between the tackles as Cowboys' best approach at position; has pattern since 2022 of capitalizing on opportunity when given chance to get on field.PositiveUsageAug 18, 2026
Running back made the most of his carries in the preseason opener, running seven times for 39 yards and appearing to have more juice than the two backs in front of him. His performance added a wrinkle to the Cowboys running back competition; he runs hard and seems more shifty than Blue or Mafah, and his experience bouncing around the NFL over a few years has helped him find his groove at running back.NegativeDepth ChartAug 17, 2026
Positioned as the first Cowboys RB on the field in team period drills after Javonte Williams, indicating secondary depth chart status at running back.PositiveBreakoutAug 16, 2026
Davis was identified as a standout performer from the Seahawks game and is a candidate to be elevated to the starter tier in the next preseason game; he played 12 snaps at running back.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
The source identifies Malik Davis as the most trustworthy RB2 option on the Cowboys roster in a scenario where a non-Javonte Williams back needs 16-18 carries. Davis has been cut multiple times but continues to return and warrant a roster spot through resilience and performance. The source emphasizes that Davis is in the middle of proving himself again despite the Cowboys' efforts to improve the running back position.PositiveValueAug 16, 2026
Malik Davis emerged as the Cowboys' leading rusher in Saturday's preseason game against Seattle, averaging 5.6 yards per carry despite being consistently overlooked in favor of backs with more upside. The source notes Davis has been cut multiple times despite consistently outperforming in camp and preseason, but his efficient 4.8 yards per carry last year (matching Javonte Williams' efficiency and exceeding both Jaydon Blue's 3.4 ypc and Phil Mafah's 3.6 ypc) demonstrates he offers a high-floor, low-upside fail-safe option. His ability to read blocks, plant his foot, and burst through small creases makes him a reliable extension of the Cowboys' efficient running game, positioning him as a dependable backup should the second-year backs fail to develop.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
Running back gained 39 yards on seven rushes with a 14-yard long run, outperforming Jaydon Blue (19 yards on 8 carries) and matching Israel Abanikanda (36 yards on 7 carries). The source notes Davis ran hard on the interior, and his performance demonstrates the Cowboys' preference for power running even without Javonte Williams on the field.PositiveBreakoutAug 16, 2026
Third-string running back impressed in second half with 39 yards on 7 carries (5.6 ypc), outperforming second-year backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. The source suggests Davis and fellow third-stringer Israel Abanikanda did a better job reading rushing lanes, hitting holes quickly, and pushing forward, with the RB2 job firmly up for grabs.PositiveSleeperAug 15, 2026
Backup running back competing for roster spot; if backup offensive line can open up lanes and give Davis room to operate in open space, he might surprise people in preseason competition for backup role behind Javonte Williams.NegativeDepth ChartAug 13, 2026
Davis is in hot water for making the roster. The depth chart shows Javonte Williams as the top runner, followed by Jaydon Blue, then Phil Mafah. While Davis has more value on special teams than Mafah, Mafah is the more powerful, downhill mauler like Williams, and Blue has the second gear of speed that Davis almost has, making Davis' role redundant when factoring in Blue's explosiveness. Israel Abanikanda also poses a threat with his physical running style and very good speed. Things are looking murky for Davis.NegativeDepth ChartAug 12, 2026
Malik Davis faces another uphill battle for playing time, as the Cowboys' depth chart placement behind Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah continues an annual tradition of roster competition for the running back.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Running back had a nice long run in the scrimmage, showing positive offensive performance in a game where the Cowboys' ground game was otherwise stalled and struggling.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Running back receiving praise from Cowboys OC Klayton Adams in backup RB competition.NegativeDepth ChartAug 11, 2026
The running back is slipping on the depth chart based on other backs having strong training camp performances. Davis needs a strong preseason showing to improve his roster standing and playing time outlook.NegativeProjectionAug 5, 2026
The source projects that Davis is unlikely to make the 53-man roster in 2026 unless injuries strike the running back room. The Cowboys have consistently declined to roster Davis over the last four years except when forced by injury, and the trend appears to be repeating in 2026 despite his feel-good 2025 season that included strong performances in nationally televised games against Kansas City and Washington.NegativeRoleAug 5, 2026
Davis' blocking woes have been on display in camp drills, continuing a pattern from his early years when he lost out to Rico Dowdle due to inferior blocking and special teams abilities. The source notes a specific sack allowed by Davis against Shemar James, highlighting his continued vulnerability in pass protection. With Blue off to a hot start and younger prospects showing well, Davis faces an uphill battle to win the RB2 job outright, which appears necessary for him to make the 53-man roster.NegativeDepth ChartAug 5, 2026
Davis is back for his fifth training camp with the Cowboys after his best season in 2025, but momentum from his Thanksgiving and Christmas performances is not carrying into Oxnard. He has been given third-man status behind Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue, and switching to Tony Pollard's old #20 has not brought him closer to the backup job. At 28 years old, Davis is no longer a developmental prospect and must clearly outshine younger competitors like Phil Mafah and Israel Abanikanda to secure a roster spot, but his blocking deficiencies have already surfaced in camp drills.NegativeRoleAug 5, 2026
Running back hasn't stood out at training camp despite making some big plays last season; his depth chart position is now in question as Phil Mafah challenges for the RB2 spot and Jaydon Blue emerges as a strong candidate for the second option.NegativeDepth ChartAug 4, 2026
Running back Malik Davis was among the 37 players released by the Cowboys on August 25-26 to reach the final 53-man roster; he remained on the Cowboys roster through 2025 and into 2026.NegativeDepth ChartJul 30, 2026
Malik Davis commanded the most work among non-Javonte Williams running backs last season and remains a name to factor into the RB2 discussion alongside Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah as the Cowboys evaluate their backup running back role in 2026.PositiveRoleJul 27, 2026
Malik Davis impressed in limited work in 2025 and is competing directly with Jaydon Blue for the Cowboys RB2 job heading into training camp.NegativeDepth ChartJul 27, 2026
Competing for backup running back roster spots alongside Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah; one of three candidates vying for the final backup RB spot on the Cowboys roster.PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
Malik Davis came on strong at the end of the season and should not be counted out in the RB2 battle; while he has bounced around on a few teams, he seemed to put it all together at the end of 2025, being good at just about everything and fitting the RB2 profile.NegativeRoleJul 24, 2026
In a training camp battle with Phil Mafah for a roster spot; Cowboys' decision on carrying five running backs will determine his fate.NegativeRoleJul 23, 2026
After changing his number to match his college days at Florida, the often-forgotten running back reports to camp needing a dominant summer to secure his spot in a crowded backfield.NegativeRoleJul 23, 2026
Davis is on the roster bubble but is retained in this projection due to his special teams value; he is the team's starting personal protector on punt coverage.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
Malik Davis is one of three primary candidates competing for the RB2 position behind Javonte Williams, alongside Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Cowboys running backs not named Williams rushed for 397 yards and 3 TDs on 95 carries (4.17 yards per carry) in 2025, indicating the backup role is underdeveloped and presents opportunity for the winner of the competition.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
Running back competing for backup role behind Javonte Williams; brings a different skill set to the table compared to Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah; if one of the backs emerges, the Dallas rushing attack could take another leap forward.NegativeDepth ChartJul 22, 2026
Malik Davis is one of the running back depth options the Cowboys could turn to as their RB2 behind Javonte Williams, though Jaydon Blue is viewed as the ideal candidate for the role.