Home / Sports / Cowboys RB Malik Davis Out for 2026 Season After Hip Injury
Cowboys RB Malik Davis Out for 2026 Season After Hip Injury
13 Sep
Summary
- Malik Davis suffered a season-ending hip injury and requires surgery.
- Israel Abanikanda promoted from practice squad to replace Davis.
- Javonte Williams remains lead back with Emari Demercado as change-of-pace.
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a severe hip injury during practice earlier this week. Davis will undergo surgery and has been placed on the season-ending injured reserve list. This unfortunate setback has prompted the Cowboys to promote Israel Abanikanda from their practice squad to the active roster.
Abanikanda joins a running back group featuring starter Javonte Williams, who is coming off a stellar 2025 season with 1,210 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Emari Demercado will continue to serve as a change-of-pace back, bringing his efficiency in both running and pass-catching. Demercado has a notable 6.5 yards per carry average over his career.
Israel Abanikanda, a fifth-round pick from 2023, spent time with multiple teams before joining the Cowboys' practice squad in 2025. The 217-pound back is seen as a potential powerhouse who could fit well into the team's offensive scheme. His promotion presents a significant opportunity for him to make an impact, especially if Williams faces any time off the field.
Malik Davis had carved out a role for himself after going undrafted in 2022. He impressed in 2025, recording 250 yards and two touchdowns on 52 attempts after being elevated from the practice squad due to an injury to Miles Sanders. Davis had established himself as RB2 entering the current season before his season-ending injury.
