Most of the conversation around the Dallas Cowboys running back depth this offseason has centered around both of their second-year running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Most of the conversation heading into the Cowboys second game of the preseason is now centered around fourth-year running back Malik Davis.
While Davis may lack some of the flash that a player like Jaydon Blue possesses, or some of the Marshawn Lynch-type runs that a player like Phil Mafah brings, what Davis brings to the table is consistency, and that’s something we have not seen yet from any of the young backs.
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Davis was a UDFA for the Cowboys after the 2022 NFL draft. In 12 games with the team, Davis rushed 38 times for 161 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Davis did not see action in 2023 and was later waived, but was re-signed to the practice squad, which is where he spent time for the remainder of the 2023 season and the entire 2024 season.
Davis was waived two times in 2025, before finally getting an opportunity on the active roster. After seeing action in 10 games in 2025, Davis finished the season with 52 carries for 250 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. Similar to what he did in 2023, Davis kept his head down, worked his way onto the field, and impressed when given an opportunity, and what do you know, that’s pretty much the same thing that is happening right now.
Heading into Oxnard, Davis was merely an afterthought. With many expecting a big jump from Jaydon Blue and/or Phil Mafah, Davis was not viewed as an option for the Cowboys 53-man roster, but with two preseason games left, and with Blue and Mafah both being limited in practices with injuries, the former Florida running back is now in the mix to not only make the Cowboys final roster, but he has a great case for winning the RB2 job behind starter Javonte Williams.
With Blue and Mafah likely limited for the Cowboys week two preseason game against the Cardinals, Davis will likely see a heavy workload, along with Israel Abanikanda.
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It’s hard not to root for Davis given how much adversity he’s had to deal with in his short NFL career. For a player that tends to show up every time his number is called, it’s hard to believe he has yet to stick around and earn a spot in the NFL. With just a few weeks left until 53-man roster cutdowns, Davis has an inside track to making the final roster for the Cowboys, and possibly play a relatively big role in the process.
Who do you think will end up with the RB2 role heading into the season? Hit the comments and let us know.
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