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Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on Malik Davis
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about Malik Davis.
80
Insights
40
Positive
21
Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about Malik Davis
NegativeInjurySep 15, 2026
Suffered an injury that prompted Dallas Cowboys to sign Tyler Goodson as the new No. 2 running back.NegativeInjurySep 15, 2026
Davis was placed on injured reserve and will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to a hip injury. The Cowboys released both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah at roster cuts and now have only Emari Demercado on the active roster behind starter Javonte Williams. Expect Israel Abanikanda to be elevated to the active roster from the practice squad for Week 2, while Williams appears likely to see all the work he can handle against the Commanders.NegativeInjurySep 15, 2026
Malik Davis underwent season-ending hip surgery in practice, prompting the Cowboys to add multiple running backs to the roster including Emari Demercado, Israel Abanikanda, and Tyler Goodson.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Cowboys running back Malik Davis suffered a hip injury at practice on Friday and was placed on injured reserve on Saturday, requiring him to miss at least four games. Davis was undrafted in 2022 and has spent his entire career with the Cowboys; in 2025 he had 52 carries for 250 yards and two touchdowns before the injury.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Malik Davis placed on injured reserve with a hip injury; sources indicate it could be season-ending. This opens backfield opportunity for other Cowboys running backs.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Backup running back Malik Davis suffered a serious hip injury requiring surgery before the Cowboys' Week 1 game against the Giants, creating a significant depth chart impact at the position.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Davis left practice on Friday with a hip injury and has been ruled out for the Cowboys' Week 1 game against the Giants. Davis had a strong summer and won the backup running back job over Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but his absence leaves a heavier workload for Javonte Williams and new Cowboys running back Emari Demercado.NegativeRoleSep 12, 2026
Malik Davis had earned the RB2 backup role to Javonte Williams throughout training camp and preseason, but the hip injury will cost him that role and significant playing time.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Malik Davis suffered a hip injury during Friday practice and was carted off the field. He is scheduled for hip surgery on Saturday and will be placed on injured reserve. Cowboys COO Stephen Jones characterized the injury as 'pretty serious' and said Davis could be out for an extended period of time, missing at least Sunday's game against New York and likely much longer.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Running back Malik Davis is out for the Cowboys heading into Sunday's game against the Giants with a hip injury.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Dallas Cowboys RB Malik Davis suffered a hip injury during practice and was limited Friday, Sept. 11, before being ruled out for Week 1. The source notes fantasy players should monitor his recovery timeline.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Cowboys RB Malik Davis was carted off from practice Friday with a hip injury that executive vice president Stephen Jones described as "pretty serious," indicating Davis will miss significant time beyond the season opener. Davis had won the backup job to Javonte Williams and was expected to play a significant role in the offense, but the injury removes him from early-season fantasy consideration.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Malik Davis suffered a hip injury during Friday's practice and has been ruled out for Week 1 against the Giants. The source indicates the team feels the injury might be serious with timeline TBD. Davis had a strong training camp and won the backup running back job over Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Dallas Cowboys RB Malik Davis suffered a hip injury during Friday practice that has put his Week 1 status versus the New York Giants in serious doubt. Davis had earned the RB2 role after a strong preseason and training camp performance.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Running back Malik Davis was carted off the field at Friday's Cowboys practice after suffering an injury; no official word from the team on his condition yet, but the team will issue their final injury report later in the day. Davis is listed as the No. 2 running back behind Javonte Williams.NegativeValueSep 9, 2026
Ranked 7th among running backs in Justin Boone's Week 1 RB trade value charts.NegativeRoleSep 8, 2026
Malik Davis is part of the Cowboys' running back depth chart behind Javonte Williams, competing with Emari Demercado for carries and third-down work. Like Demercado, Davis is noted as a 'four-core' special teams player, showing similarity in their special teams value and versatility.NegativeDepth ChartSep 7, 2026
Cowboys backup running back Malik Davis has only 90 career carries in the NFL, with 38 of those coming in 2022, indicating minimal depth behind Javonte Williams.PositiveSleeperSep 4, 2026
Davis rose 12 ADP spots after the Cowboys cut their backup running back depth to one option. Though not a particularly interesting college prospect and undrafted in 2021, Davis has hung around the Cowboys organization for five seasons and looked spry in 2025, averaging 3.3 yards after contact and 4.8 yards per carry on 52 attempts. The source notes this is a shockingly similar runout to Rico Dowdle's early career; at worst Davis is a cheap handcuff bet, at best he mixes in relief for Javonte Williams and has standalone value without an injury.NegativeDepth ChartSep 3, 2026
Davis won the RB2 spot for the Dallas Cowboys, with Emari Demercado claimed off waivers to provide experienced depth behind him and Ezekiel Williams.PositiveRoleSep 2, 2026
Davis won the RB2 spot for the Cowboys, beating out both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in the preseason competition. The source indicates the Cowboys chose Davis and added Emari Demercado as experienced options behind Javonte Williams.PositiveRoleSep 2, 2026
Undrafted veteran Malik Davis outworked running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah during training camp and preseason, earning his roster spot. Davis showcases value not only as a runner but also on special teams, having spent time as a punt protector and contributing to other special teams phases.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
The Cowboys view Malik Davis as a highly valued RB2, with OC Klayton Adams praising his consistency and work ethic. Adams noted that Davis has repeatedly proven his worth and is 'wired' to be a mentor to younger backs. Davis went from being unsigned and receiving minimal workout interest to solidifying himself as 'a very, very valuable member of our football team,' making him the first call for veterans seeking to learn from experience.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Earned the RB2 spot on Dallas Cowboys depth chart; remains second-string running back behind starter Javonte Williams.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Malik Davis was the only backup running back behind Javonte Williams before the Cowboys claimed Emari Demercado off waivers, adding competition to the backup role.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Malik Davis was kept on the 53-man roster as the primary backup running back, while all other backup running backs were released. The team hopes to get some of the released backups back on the practice squad.PositiveValueAug 31, 2026
Now the only backup to Javonte Williams after Cowboys cut both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah; one of the better handcuff bets in fantasy drafts, though casual leagues may be extremely slow to catch up to this obscure player. Worth monitoring practice squad transactions over next days.PositiveRoleAug 31, 2026
Earned RB2 role after being the most consistent backup throughout the offseason; now positioned as the primary backup to Javonte Williams following the Cowboys' aggressive backfield cuts.PositiveRoleAug 30, 2026
Malik Davis is one of only two tailbacks remaining on the Cowboys' initial 53-player roster after the team waived running backs Jayden Blue, Israel Abanikanda, Jashaun Corbin, and Phil Mafah, securing him as the backup back alongside Javonte Williams.PositiveDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Malik Davis seems likely to serve as Dallas' backup running back to open the 2026 season after being listed as the team's fourth-string running back on the most recent depth chart release. With both Blue and Phil Mafah waived, Davis—who has spent his entire five-year career with the Cowboys and totaled 411 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 90 career carries while catching eight passes for 79 yards—is positioned to move up significantly in the depth chart.PositiveDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
With the Cowboys waiving both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, the two running backs behind Javonte Williams on the depth chart, Malik Davis's chances of sticking in Dallas have improved significantly. The source notes there could be more roster moves to come as the Cowboys construct their desired backfield.PositiveDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
Not playing Davis in the preseason finale cemented his spot on the 53-man roster, indicating the Cowboys have confidence in his roster position despite limited preseason action.PositiveDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
Davis was sat out against the Saints in the preseason finale, with primary work instead given to Abanikanda and Mafah; his inactivity strongly suggests he has made the 53-man roster, indicating the Cowboys view him as a lock for the team.NegativeDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
Running back Malik Davis did not play in the Saints preseason game, suggesting the Cowboys have settled on their depth chart at the position with Davis likely in the RB2 or RB3 role.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
The source identifies Malik Davis as the Cowboys' backup RB capable of filling in adequately for a few games on a short-term basis if Javonte Williams misses time, though he's not ready to step into the full-time RB1 role.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Davis is one of the Cowboys' top two running backs and a roster lock; Anthony Smith projects him as a core part of the backfield.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Davis emerged as the Cowboys' RB2 this offseason after a strong showing. While he may never be a workhorse back, he does a lot of things well and serves as a perfect depth piece behind Williams.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Malik Davis is in the driver's seat for the RB2 role behind Javonte Williams; he is competing against Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Israel Abanikanda for backup running back reps.PositiveDepth ChartAug 27, 2026
Davis is predicted to make the 53-man roster as the RB2 by all four panelists; Mike notes Davis feels like the safest RB2 because of consistency and reliability, while Sean observes Davis doesn't do anything remarkably better than Williams in the ground-and-pound game but is still roster-locked.PositiveRoleAug 27, 2026
Malik Davis has pushed to earn the second running back spot outright after starting training camp behind Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah; he surpassed Blue after the first preseason game and showed more of the same with a good performance against the Cardinals, though Blue answered back with multiple highlight plays and led the team in rushing, resulting in a proverbial stalemate last Saturday.PositiveRoleAug 27, 2026
Running back Malik Davis is trending upward as the Cowboys' backup and change-of-pace option heading into the preseason finale. Despite not being flashy, Davis has no major holes in his game: he gets what's blocked for him on run plays, can catch passes, provides blocking at a high level, and plays special teams well. In the latest preseason game, he caught a touchdown pass, blocked in pass protection to set up a big play, and rushed for nearly 6 yards per attempt, finally showing up after being overlooked by many observers.NegativeRoleAug 26, 2026
Davis is assumed to have done enough in preseason to remain as the backup running back behind starter Javonte Williams, though the position remains competitive with other candidates like Jayden Blue and Phil Mafah also in the mix.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
The source identifies Malik Davis as a potential backup running back candidate for the Cowboys in 2026, suggesting the team needs to find a runner capable of a 60/40 split on carries early in the regular season to manage Javonte Williams' workload.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Davis started with the Cowboys' second-team offense and rotated with Jaydon Blue in preseason Week 2. Phil Mafah played ahead of Davis last week, but that was flipped versus Arizona. The Cowboys are still looking for a more traditional backup between Davis and Mafah.NegativeUsageAug 24, 2026
Malik Davis ran 7 routes across two preseason games, accumulating 8 receiving yards for a 1.14 yards per route run (YPRR), showing minimal route involvement and below-average efficiency for a running back.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Davis got the nod over Jaydon Blue at running back in the Cardinals game, earning a starting role in the preseason depth chart competition.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Davis gained confidence from the coaching staff as a legitimate RB2 candidate after a strong performance against Arizona. Beyond his 5 carries, Davis impressed in pass-game work—catching a touchdown on a scramble drill and executing a key blitz pickup that set up a subsequent touchdown. His versatility in multiple phases and quick burst ability between the tackles with above-average power position him as a serious contender for the backup role.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Malik Davis has secured the RB2 role for the Dallas Cowboys; the source compares his roster persistence to Jourdan Lewis, noting that 'if you give him an inch he is going to make the absolute most with it' and expresses strong conviction: 'I want that dude on my team.'PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Took a big step in the RB2 battle during Cowboys' 34-13 preseason win over Cardinals; Dallas improved to 2-0 in preseason for the first time in nearly 20 years (since 2007), with Davis contributing to the team's overall positive trajectory.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
The veteran running back solidified his roster spot with another strong preseason showing, starting the game and recording five carries for 29 yards plus a touchdown reception on an eight-yard dump-off pass. The source states 'Malik Davis will be on this Cowboys roster. Again,' indicating his secure position after an impressive showing the prior week.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Malik Davis took a big step in the RB2 battle, starting the game at running back and featuring prominently in the Cowboys' opening drive. Davis caught a touchdown pass from Joe Milton in the first quarter, establishing himself as a receiving option out of the backfield and demonstrating his value in the preseason competition for the backup running back role.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Veteran Malik Davis, a fourth-year running back, could steal the RB2 job from younger talent like Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah; while lacking their flash, Davis brings consistency that hasn't been seen from the young backs, positioning him as a potential surprise winner of the backup role.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Davis brings consistency that has not been seen from the young Cowboys backs. A UDFA after the 2022 draft, Davis has shown a pattern of impressing when given opportunities: 38 carries for 161 yards (4.2 YPC) and a TD in 12 games in 2022, then 52 carries for 250 yards (4.8 YPC) and two TDs in 10 games in 2025. The source notes Davis 'tends to show up every time his number is called' and will likely see heavy workload in week two preseason with Blue and Mafah limited.PositiveDepth ChartAug 21, 2026
Fourth-year RB Davis is now in the mix to make the Cowboys' 53-man roster and has a great case for winning the RB2 job behind starter Javonte Williams. After being waived twice in 2025 before getting an active roster opportunity, Davis finished the season with 52 carries for 250 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in 10 games. With Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah both limited by injuries heading into week two preseason, Davis will likely see a heavy workload and has an inside track to making the final roster.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
Positioned as the primary backup to Javonte Williams after strong preseason performance (7 carries, 39 yards, team-high rushing yards) and Monday practice reps; has a pattern since joining the team in 2022 of capitalizing on opportunities when given the chance. Excels at running between the tackles with plus burst and decisiveness at the line of scrimmage to create on many carries.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
Davis ran seven times for 39 yards in the preseason opener and appeared to have more juice and explosiveness than the two backs ahead of him; his performance has added a wrinkle to the Cowboys running back competition and suggests he may be finding his groove after bouncing around the NFL for a few years.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Malik Davis was elevated to first team offense as the first RB to rotate in after Javonte Williams following personnel changes made by Brian Schottenheimer after the preseason game, indicating increased role opportunity.NegativeUsageAug 17, 2026
Davis did not see a snap until the third string took over for the Cowboys in preseason Week 1, indicating he is not in the backfield mix ahead of Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.PositiveBreakoutAug 16, 2026
Malik Davis stood out in the preseason game against Seattle and is a candidate to be elevated to the starter tier in the next game; he played 12 snaps on offense.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
If the Cowboys have an RB2 right now, it is certainly Malik Davis. The source notes that Davis is the most trustworthy back in a world where a non-Javonte Williams back has to have something like 16-18 carries. Davis has been cut several times over but continues to come back and warrant a spot on the team, and he is in the middle of that cycle yet again.PositiveValueAug 16, 2026
Davis, often overlooked and passed over for higher-upside backs despite consistent performance, emerged as the Cowboys' leading rusher in Saturday's preseason game against Seattle, averaging 5.6 yards per carry by reading blocks and planting his feet to burst through creases; he was also the team's second-leading rusher last year at 4.8 yards per carry, outperforming Blue (3.4 ypc) and Mafah (3.6 ypc), positioning him as a reliable fail-safe option behind Williams.PositiveUsageAug 16, 2026
Running back rushed seven times for 39 yards with a long of 14 yards, the longest run of the night for the Cowboys. The source notes Davis ran hard on the interior and outperformed Jaydon Blue's efficiency, suggesting the Cowboys offense works best when committing to power runs between the tackles.PositiveUsageAug 16, 2026
Running back impressed in second half with 39 yards on seven carries (5.6 yards per carry), outperforming second-year backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah; source notes second-half backs seemed to do better job reading rushing lanes, hitting holes quickly, and pushing forward.PositiveSleeperAug 15, 2026
Competing for the backup running back job; if the backup offensive line can open up lanes and give Davis room to operate in open space, he might surprise some people in the preseason competition.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Malik Davis, a Florida Gator, is mentioned as a potential option in the Cowboys' running back room, though he appears to be behind Blue and Mafah in the backup competition. The source notes he 'keeps finding a way' in the roster discussion.NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
Cowboys RB is behind Jaydon Blue on the backfield depth chart based on preseason Week 1 action.NegativeDepth ChartAug 13, 2026
Davis is in hot water for making the 53-man 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, Blue's second gear of speed makes Davis' role redundant; Mafah is the more powerful, downhill mauler like Williams. Israel Abanikanda also poses a threat with his physical running style and speed. Things are looking murky for Davis right now.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Running back had a nice long run during the scrimmage, showing positive offensive production in the ground game.PositiveUsageAug 11, 2026
Malik Davis had a nice long run during joint practice team drills.NegativeDepth ChartAug 11, 2026
Malik Davis is slipping on the Cowboys' depth chart and needs a good showing in preseason reps to improve his roster standing; the source indicates other players ahead of him have had strong training camp performances.NegativeRoleAug 5, 2026
Running back hasn't popped at training camp so far; while he made a few big plays last year, his early camp performance is being overshadowed by Jaydon Blue's electric play, and the source questions whether he remains in serious consideration for the RB2 role.PositiveDepth ChartAug 4, 2026
Davis was among the 37 players cut to final 53 on August 25-26 last year but remained with the Cowboys organization; he is still on the Cowboys roster in 2026, demonstrating roster retention despite initial cutdown.PositiveDepth ChartAug 1, 2026
Snap count data from 19 documented training camp plays suggests Malik Davis may have a shot at the 53-man roster; he appeared in 1 play during the second practice session, indicating the coaching staff is evaluating him for a potential roster spot.NegativeDepth ChartAug 1, 2026
Despite a career year last season that should have earned him the unquestioned No. 2 back role, Davis is seeing significantly less action than Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in camp; the source suggests the Cowboys' long-term vision for the position group may not include Davis given the flexibility of rookie contracts with Blue and Mafah, and notes trade interest from other teams could be a path forward for Davis to compete for meaningful snaps elsewhere.NegativeUsageJul 31, 2026
Davis was one of four running backs who carried the ball for the Cowboys last season, accumulating carries outside of Williams' 69% share. The source indicates the Cowboys are evaluating depth options behind Williams for the 30% of backfield carries not allocated to the lead back.NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026
Davis was one of four running backs who carried the ball for the Cowboys last season, accounting for a portion of the 362 total team carries. The source does not provide specific usage data or camp updates for Davis, but notes the team is evaluating depth options behind Williams.NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026
Davis was one of four running backs who carried the ball for the Cowboys in 2025, accumulating carries outside of the 69% share held by lead back Javonte Williams. The source indicates Davis is part of the backfield depth but does not specify his role or status for 2026 training camp.NegativeDepth ChartJul 29, 2026
Malik Davis commanded the most work last year as a non-Javonte Williams option and remains a name to factor into the RB2 competition alongside Phil Mafah and Jaydon Blue for 2026.PositiveRoleJul 27, 2026
Davis impressed in limited work during the 2025 season and is competing with Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah for the Cowboys' RB2 job heading into 2026.PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
Malik Davis came on strong at the end of the 2025 season and should not be counted out in the RB2 battle. Though he has bounced around on a few teams, he seemed to put it all together at the end of the season; he is not great at anything but seemed to be good at just about everything, which the source characterizes as the profile of an RB2.