The Dallas Cowboys placed backup running back Malik Davis on injured reserve Saturday after he sustained a hip injury in practice, the team announced.
Davis underwent surgery on the hip the same day and was not designated for return, ending his 2026 season before it began.
In a corresponding move, Dallas signed running back Israel Abanikanda from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster.
Malik Davis ruled out for the season after hip surgery
Davis, 27, was carted off the practice field Friday, one day before the Cowboys opened their season against the New York Giants. The injury occurred just as Davis had secured the primary backup role behind starter Javonte Williams, a position he had won during training camp and the preseason.
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Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged the severity of the situation Friday. “Unfortunately, I think he’s looking at a pretty serious injury that could take him out for some period of time,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “We don’t have the final details; we’ll know more, but certainly so disappointed for Malik”.
The 27-year-old running back appeared in 10 games for Dallas last season, recording 52 carries for 250 yards and two touchdowns.
Over his 25-game career with the Cowboys, Davis has rushed 90 times for 411 yards and three scores. He is scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of the year, making the timing of the injury particularly difficult for a player who was poised for an expanded role.
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In the recent Cowboys roster move, Israel Abanikanda was added to the 53-man roster
To address the sudden lack of depth in the backfield, Dallas promoted Israel Abanikanda from the practice squad.
The 23-year-old joined the Cowboys’ practice squad late last season but did not appear in a game. He was among the team’s roster cuts on August 30, but was the only running back from that group invited back to the 2026 practice squad.
A fifth-round draft pick by the New York Jets in 2023, Abanikanda has appeared in six career NFL games, all as a rookie. He has 22 carries for 70 rushing yards on 82 total offensive snaps. The former Pitt Panther has not seen regular-season action since his rookie campaign.
With Davis unavailable, newly signed Emari Demercado is expected to serve as the primary backup to Williams for Sunday night’s season opener against the Giants.
Abanikanda now provides additional depth and special teams versatility as the Cowboys navigate the early portion of their schedule without their projected No. 2 running back.
