Dallas Cowboys running back, Malik Davis, running the ball against the Tennessee Titans on December 29, 2022.
Dallas Cowboys running back, Malik Davis, running the ball against the Tennessee Titans on December 29, 2022.
The Dallas Cowboys‘ biggest news on Tuesday came when the reports surfaced that they would be trading a second round pick in 2026, along with a first rounder in 2027, for New York Jets defensive tackle, Quinnen Williams – whilst also sending former first round defensive tackle, Mazi Smith, to New Jersey.
But in the hours following the big move, the team announced another roster transaction – that the organization has decided to release fourth year running back, Malik Davis from the practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Adam Schefter
Cowboys waived RB Malik Davis.
“Cowboys waived RB Malik Davis.” Schefter reported on Tuesday.
Cowboys RB Waived From Practice Squad Once Again
Davis was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Dallas in 2022, and was first elevated to the active roster that October, which lead him to putting up a total of 161 rushing yards with one touchdown in his debut season, participating in 12 out of the team’s 15 games.
The former University of Florida product was not able to capitalize on a promising rookie season, during which he averaged a very respectable 4.2 yards per carry, and spent the year on the practice squad. Although he took part in three games in 2023, he did not record a single rush, target or reception on the season.
Whilst 2024 saw a similar fate for Davis, as he did not play in a single game last season, 2025 was looking to be a little improvement for the Tampa native, having been a game-day elevation from the practice squad three times already this year and carried the ball 3 times for 6 total rushing yards.
Yet, the Cowboys decided that they had seen enough from their fourth year player, and waived him for the sixth time in the 26 year old’s career to date.
Given that Davis has only ever played for the Cowboys, suggesting that the team have a special affinity for the the player that likely transcends his on-the-field output and production, it is quite possible that the team will look to re-sign the tailback at some point early in 2026.
Why Did The Cowboys Release Malik Davis?
One reason that may have contributed to the team moving off Davis looks to have been elevation-related.
The NFL permits franchises to elevate players a maximum of three times in any given season; having been already elevated three times halfway into the year, the Cowboys were not allowed to use Davis as a game-day practice-squad elevation again – they would had to have signed him to the active roster mid-season – something they have not done since his rookie year.
Interestingly, this would not necessarily be the most out-of-left-field move, considering that the Cowboys have just Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue signed to the 53-man roster, after injuries saw both Miles Sanders and Phil Mafah land on injured reserve.
This lack of RBs on the active roster has also – evidently – likely contributed to the increase in game-day elevations for Davis. But it seems that the Cowboys do not feel bullish enough on him to make him a full member of the 53.
The most likely course of action at this point would point to Dallas signing a running back to their practice squad that they can utilize as the emergency third back behind Blue and Williams.