NFL 2026
Injuries September 12, 2026 · Touchdown Week Staff

Cowboys' Malik Davis Placed on IR After Hip Injury in Friday Practice

The backup running back was carted off and had surgery Saturday; Stephen Jones called it a serious injury, and Dallas signed Israel Abanikanda to the active roster before the opener.

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis was placed on injured reserve Saturday after a hip injury in Friday's practice that required him to be carted off the field and led to surgery the next day.

How serious is it?

Executive vice president Stephen Jones described it as a "pretty serious injury that could take him out for some period of time." Davis had won the backup job behind Javonte Williams with a strong camp, running for 68 yards on 12 preseason carries with a touchdown catch, and was a core special-teams player as the personal protector on punts.

Who fills in?

Dallas signed Israel Abanikanda from the practice squad, and Emari Demercado, claimed off waivers from Kansas City, and fullback Hunter Luepke are expected to share the backup work in Sunday night's opener at the Giants. Left guard Tyler Smith is also out after thumb surgery.

Sources

  • ESPN: Cowboys RB Malik Davis set for hip surgery, placed on IR

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Published September 12, 2026 Touchdown Week Staff