Malik Davis
Running Back #34
Malik Davis News
Malik Davis a Priority Handcuff on the Waiver Wire
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis is the undisputed No. 2 option on the depth chart, making him a priority target on the waiver wire in fantasy football. Specifically, he has appeal as a handcuff for managers in 14+ team leagues, as well as managers who have Javonte Williams in leagues with 10 or 12 teams. Williams is expected to occupy an every-down role this season, which means he's a candidate for some wear and tear. If he were to miss any time due to injury, his managers would want to be ready to plug and play his replacement, which would be Davis. Adding Davis off the waiver wire doesn't give managers a running back with standalone weekly fantasy value, but rather protects those managers in case Williams misses any time this season. We saw what Davis could do in the lead-back role last year, as he totaled 28 carries, 124 rushing yards, and one touchdown across the two games in which Williams played less than 50% of the snaps.
Sep 7, 2026 8:46 PM EST
Malik Davis a Big Winner After Cowboys Backfield Cuts
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis came out of Sunday's cuts with a much cleaner path behind Javonte Williams. Dallas waived both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, two backs who had spent the summer competing with Davis for the No. 2 job. The timing matters because Davis was already pulling ahead before either move. Jon Machota reported last week that the Cowboys seemed most comfortable with Davis as their RB2, and Cowboys.com made the same call after the second preseason game. Davis gave them reasons to trust him. He led Dallas' backs with 39 yards on seven carries in the preseason opener, then flashed in pass protection against Arizona. He also rushed for 250 yards and two touchdowns on 52 carries last season, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. This still isn't a path to major standalone volume with Williams healthy, and Dallas could add another back after cuts. For now, though, two of Davis' biggest competitors are gone. He's one of the clearest redraft winners from the Cowboys' roster moves.
Aug 30, 2026 12:14 PM EST
Malik Davis Could Still Earn RB2 Job in Dallas
Nick Eatman of the Dallas Cowboys' official website writes that the running back hierarchy below starter Javonte Williams "is a question mark." They are not even sure anyone besides Williams has a solid spot on the roster, but "one would assume" that Malik Davis "has done enough to remain the backup." Second-year back Jaydon Blue played well in the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals last week, though, as did Phil Mafah, who turned his only carry into a trip to paydirt. Blue is younger and has more all-around upside, but the 27-year-old Davis is not going away and could at least open the 2026 season as Williams' primary backup until further notice. Mafah and Israel Abanikanda are probably more on the 53-man roster bubble. In the long run in 2026, Blue figures to have the best chance to unseat Davis as Dallas' RB2 if everyone remains healthy. Davis had 52 rushing attempts last year for a career-high 250 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in 10 games played, and his efficiency carries some weight. He has some handcuff appeal in deeper fantasy leagues, but if you are looking for pure upside in that role, Blue is probably the better bet.
Aug 26, 2026 3:16 PM EST
Malik Davis Emerging as the RB2 Favorite in Dallas
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis "seems to be the player with whom the Cowboys are most comfortable" in the RB2 role behind starting back Javonte Williams, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. Davis played in 10 games for Dallas in 2025, recording 250 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 52 carries. The 27-year-old has been competing for the Cowboys' RB2 role in training camp with 2025 draftees Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. While Machota acknowledges that Blue specifically has the higher upside, he predicts that Davis will open the year as Dallas' primary backup. As long as Williams remains healthy, neither Davis nor Blue is likely to see a fantasy-relevant workload. Still, fantasy managers searching for a handcuff option for Williams may want to target Davis with a late-round draft pick.
Aug 23, 2026 2:58 PM EST
Malik Davis Refuses to Go Away in Dallas' Backfield
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis looked like the forgotten man in this backfield earlier in camp. He's making that harder to justify now. Davis led Dallas with 39 yards on seven carries in the preseason opener, and Brian Schottenheimer praised his vision and feel for the blocking scheme afterward. He was also the first back on the field after Javonte Williams during team work earlier this week. Davis has handled a bigger load before. When Williams went down in Week 17 last season, the 5-foot-10, 205-pound back ran 20 times for 103 yards. He finished the year with 250 yards and two touchdowns on 52 carries. Dallas' unofficial depth chart still has Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah ahead of him, so Davis hasn't won the backup job. Blue's shoulder issue and Mafah's recent injury have given him another opening, though, and he's taking advantage of it. RotoBaller has Davis at RB92 in PPR. He's outside normal redraft range, but this backup race is a lot less settled than it looked earlier in camp.
Aug 21, 2026 10:42 AM EST
Malik Davis Not a Lock for RB2 Role in Dallas
ESPN's Todd Archer writes that there will be a battle for the No. 2 running back role in training camp this summer behind starter Javonte Williams that will consist of Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis. Davis won the job a year ago and had a 100-yard game, but he "seems to be something of a forgotten man entering camp." The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of the University of Florida had 52 carries for 250 yards and two touchdowns in his third NFL season in 2025, adding two receptions for 16 yards for the Cowboys. It sounds as though Davis is going to need to step up in camp to hold off both Blue and Mafah. Blue didn't live up to expectations in his rookie campaign, but he has impressed the coaching staff this offseason and can be a difference-maker with his speed. Mafah, a seventh-rounder last year, could also be a dependable depth back. Davis averaged a healthy 4.8 yards in 2025, but he doesn't have any standout traits in the backfield and isn't much of a pass-catcher. Don't automatically assume that he's the handcuff to roster in 2026 if you take Williams.
Jul 23, 2026 7:15 AM EST
Malik Davis Appears to be the Front-Runner for RB2 Job in Dallas
Tommy Yarrish of the Dallas Cowboys' official website writes that running back Malik Davis "appears to be the front-runner" for the RB2 job again for the time being. As the RB2 in 2025 in his third year in the NFL, Davis saw a career-high 52 carries for 250 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and two rushing touchdowns, adding only two catches for 16 yards in 10 games (zero starts). The Cowboys signed RB1 Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million contract extension in late February, so Davis is stuck behind him for the foreseeable future in Dallas. Williams led the Cowboys with 252 carries and 1,201 rushing yards last year. In addition to Davis, the Cowboys have Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in their RB room that could compete for RB2 duties this summer. Blue needs to show more consistency, and Mafah was on Injured Reserve for most of his rookie campaign. At best, Davis will enter the 2026 season as a deep-league handcuff for those who have Williams rostered. He's outside of RotoBaller's top-100 RB rankings currently.
Jun 3, 2026 1:57 PM EST
Malik Davis Ruled Out for Week 18
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (calf, eye) has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota. Javonte Williams (neck, shoulder) has also been ruled out, so rookie Jaydon Blue will see by far the most playing time he's had all season long to close things out. The 27-year-old Davis will finish his 2025 campaign on a high note after carrying the ball 20 times for 103 yards in the Christmas Day win over the Washington Commanders in Week 17. He took over around midseason as the No. 2 back behind Williams and never let go. Davis could be in line for an even bigger role in 2026 if the Cowboys don't re-sign Williams. Davis finishes his third NFL season with 250 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 52 rushing attempts, adding two receptions for 16 yards in 10 games played.
Jan 2, 2026 4:57 PM EST
Malik Davis Could be a Game-Time Decision for Week 18
Dallas running back Malik Davis (calf, eye) has yet to practice this week and could be a game-time decision for the Cowboys' Week 18 matchup with the Giants. With the status of Javonte Williams (shoulder, neck) also up in the air, Davis would be in line for an expanded workload if he's able to work through his separate calf and eye injuries to suit up on Sunday. With little at stake beyond divisional pride, the more likely path is that Dallas will take extra precautions with their veterans and turn the backfield over to rookie Phil Mafah (shoulder), who has also been limited with a shoulder concern of his own. The Giants have been the second most generous defense to opposing running backs, making the Cowboys' injury report an important one to monitor for any fantasy managers still competing in Week 18.
Jan 2, 2026 2:08 PM EST
Malik Davis to be Limited in Wednesday's Practice
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (eye) is expected to be limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Starting RB Javonte Williams (shoulder) will also be limited. With both Davis and Williams dealing with injuries going into the final week of the regular season in a meaningless game on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, rookie Jaydon Blue could be active and see playing time for the first time since Week 8. It's unclear if Davis or Williams will be held out entirely in Week 18, but the bottom line is that Dallas' backfield carries a lot of uncertainty going into Sunday's game. With Williams injuring his shoulder in the first half of the Christmas Day win over the Washington Commanders, Davis had 20 carries for 103 yards. If Williams is inactive against New York, Davis could be in line for another big workload if he's active on Sunday.
Dec 31, 2025 2:19 PM EST
Malik Davis Emerging as the Clear RB2 in Dallas
Dallas Cowboys' fourth-year running back out of Florida, Malik Davis (eye), led the backfield in running back touches in the Cowboys' Week 17 30-23 win on Christmas Day over the Washington Commanders. He stepped in for the injured Javonte Williams (shoulder) and ended the game with 20 rush attempts (5.15 YPC) for 103 yards. Since Week 15, Davis has emerged as the Cowboys' clear No. 2 running back and has been playing 45.6 percent of the snaps, which is a massive increase from his season-long snap share, which was well below 20 percent before Week 15. If Williams is unable to go in Week 18, Davis should be in line to see the majority of the team's running back touches and would be a plug-and-play RB2 for fantasy managers still competing in Week 18. Important to note: Davis did sustain an eye injury in that matchup, but he played through it and is likely to play in Week 18; however, it's something to monitor as the week progresses.
Dec 31, 2025 9:44 AM EST
Malik Davis Must-Add off Waivers for Week 18
Dallas Cowboys' fourth-year running back out of Florida, Malik Davis, led the backfield in running back touches in the Cowboys' Week 17 30-23 win on Christmas Day over the Washington Commanders. He stepped in for the injured Javonte Williams (shoulder) and ended the game with 20 rush attempts (5.15 YPC) for 103 yards. Additionally, over the past two games, he has earned 54 percent and 34 percent of the snaps, respectively. He is starting to see an increased workload as the season comes to an end for the eliminated-from-the-playoffs Cowboys. With a strong Week 18 matchup looming against the New York Giants in Week 18, Davis is a must-add off the waivers for those fantasy managers still competing for a championship. If Williams were to sit out, Davis would immediately become a plug-and-play RB2.
Dec 29, 2025 9:22 AM EST
Malik Davis a Fantasy Fade on Christmas
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis won't be an optimal choice for fantasy when his team takes on the hosting Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. The fourth-year pro has seen a bit of extra work over the previous two weeks, notching eight carries in consecutive outings while getting a boost in playing time. In both appearances, Davis' extended play came while backfield mate Javonte Williams tended to injuries. With Williams presumably back to full health ahead of a road outing with the Commanders, considering he carries no designation, owners can look elsewhere for assistance in the fantasy playoffs. Even in an excellent matchup with the league's fourth-worst rush defense (141 yards per game), the 27-year-old is little more than a desperation flex play for fantasy. Davis lands as RotoBallers PPR RB57 for Week 17.
Dec 25, 2025 11:16 AM EST
Malik Davis Remains in Depth Role for Matchup Against Chargers
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis saw more run in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings after Javonte Williams (neck) missed time in the first half. The 26-year-old ended up playing a career high 53% of the offensive snaps and handled eight carries for 21 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches (three targets) for 16 yards. Williams eventually returned for the second half and was a full participant in practice this week. Still, it remains clear that Davis is the primary backup ahead of rookie Jaydon Blue, who has been a healthy inactive for the past six games. Davis' fantasy upside for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers remains capped, as he hasn't seen much usage when Williams has been healthy, handling just 14 touches in the five games leading up to last week.
Dec 20, 2025 12:32 PM EST
Malik Davis Emerges as the Clear RB2 in Dallas After Week 15
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis played 53 percent of the snaps in Week 15 and earned 11 touches (eight rushes and three receptions) for 37 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' Loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. As far as the 2025 season goes, that was season-highs for Davis in all categories: snaps, touches, yards, and fantasy points. The reason he played and got the volume is that Javonte Williams (neck) missed most of the second quarter, allowing Davis to see the majority of the work. Important to note that rookie running back out of Texas, Jaydon Blue, was a healthy scratch, so it's clear that the Cowboys view Davis as the top option behind Williams, which makes him a top handcuff option for the last few weeks of the fantasy football season. Davis does not have standalone fantasy value at this time, but if Williams were to miss time, he would immediately enter the rankings as a low-end RB2 based on projected volume.
Dec 19, 2025 9:31 AM EST
Malik Davis Should be Added as Top Handcuff Option
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis saw more action in Week 16 when Javonte Williams left briefly in the first half with a shoulder injury in Sunday night's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but Williams returned in the second half. Davis took advantage of his increase in opportunities in the first half, handling eight carries for 21 yards and a touchdown to go with two receptions (three targets) for 16 yards as a receiver. He had only played 52 total offensive snaps entering the game, but played 37 in the loss to the Vikings. The 27-year-old has proven to be a quality backup behind Williams this season, adding more explosiveness to the Cowboys' backfield. It seems Williams will be good to go for Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but his status will be worth monitoring this week. Davis should be added as a strong contingency option in an elite Dallas offense.
Dec 16, 2025 10:59 AM EST
Malik Davis Remains Top Handcuff with Minimal Standalone Upside
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has emerged as the primary No. 2 option behind workhorse Javonte Williams in the team's backfield. However, Davis has been unable to carve out a substantial role, which makes him a handcuff with RB4 value heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Since their Week 10 bye, Davis has been the only other running back Williams to log an offensive snap, suggesting he would see a massive workload in the event the former first-round pick misses time with an injury. However, during this four-game stretch, Davis has been unable to log over 20% of the snaps in a single game and has only logged more than three carries once. In Week 13, Davis made the most of his change-of-pace role, tallying 47 yards and a score on three attempts. However, in the other three games, Davis has totaled 50 yards on 10 carries. Given his current usage, managers should continue to view him as a top handcuff that should not be in their starting lineup outside of a cheap flier in a DFS single-game slate.
Dec 12, 2025 7:41 PM EST
Malik Davis Solidifying Handcuff Role
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has steadily accounted for a larger share of the backfield touches over the previous few weeks, supplanting rookie rusher Jaydon Blue as the handcuff to own behind starter Javonte Williams. Davis didn't get his first snaps with the team until Week 7's win over the Commanders, although he's since been an effective runner. While he hasn't eclipsed four touches in a given outing, the 27-year-old's efficiency has improved each week. If he can continue boasting more work, Davis may present some standalone fantasy value down the stretch. However, fantasy managers can't trust him as such just yet, considering Williams has dominated backfield opportunities for the entirety of 2025. Davis is a nice speculative stash in deep leagues, and a must-own for those carrying Williams this late in the campaign.
Dec 4, 2025 11:34 AM EST
Malik Davis on the Rise Heading into Thursday Night Against Detroit
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis had his best game of the season last week against the Chiefs on Thanksgiving, handling three carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Davis ripped off a 43-yard touchdown during the second quarter, showing impressive burst and explosiveness. That marked the longest rushing touchdown of the season for the Cowboys, and Davis' speed is a nice complement to the bruising running style of starter Javonte Williams. The 27-year-old Davis has been up and down from the practice squad for Dallas this season, but he has been active for each of the past six games and has firmly established himself as the No. 2 running back over rookie Jaydon Blue. He could work his way into more touches against the Lions on Thursday night after an impressive Week 13 performance. However, Davis still profiles as a handcuff option for now and should remain on benches in Week 14.
Dec 4, 2025 12:44 AM EST
Malik Davis a Handcuff Option After Scoring First Touchdown
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis is a player on the rise as the backup RB in Dallas. The 27-year-old has taken on a bigger role behind Javonte Williams in recent weeks, with rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue being a healthy scratch for the last four games. Davis has had at least three carries for the Cowboys in the last three games, and he ran for a season-high 47 yards and his first touchdown of 2025 in the Thanksgiving Day win over the Kansas City Chiefs last Thursday. Williams is still the team's unquestioned workhorse back, though, which means Davis is going to continue to see scraps out of the backfield as the team heads into a Week 14 tilt on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. Davis is not rostered in any Yahoo leagues at the moment, but fantasy managers who have Williams might want to consider handcuffing him to Davis to close out the year.
Dec 2, 2025 12:33 PM EST
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