Malik

Davis

Davis took over as Dallas’ main backup to Javonte Williams down the stretch, eventually notching a 20/103 game against the Commanders in Week 17 in a game Williams left. He finishes the year with a 52/250/2 line. The former UDFA is under contract for 2026 with a $1.145 million cap hit.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters early on Wednesday that both Williams and RB Malik Davis (calf/eye) would be limited. Instead, the team listed both players with DNPs yesterday and today. Rookie RB Jaydon Blue could see a fantasy-friendly workload this week against the Giants.

Williams went down with a shoulder injury in Week 17 against the Commanders. He left in the second quarter and was listed as questionable to return but never did so. Malik Davis would be an option for the Cowboys, but his availability for Week 18 is also in doubt because of an eye issue. Jaydon Blue would be the next man up if both backs are ruled out for Week 18.

Davis worked into the offense early behind starter Javonte Williams but was thrust into the featured role following the latter’s departure in the second quarter. Positive game environment allowed Davis to see a robust 20 carries to end the fantasy season. DFSers will want to follow Williams’ practice status ahead of a Week 18 meeting with a Giants team allowing explosive runs at the league’s highest rate.

He handled 19 snaps and could develop a meaningful role at some point in the next two games if Javonte Williams’ workload is further managed or is shut down. What we’ve seen so far isn’t enough to get him on the FLEX line against the Commanders in Week 17.

Davis scored from one yard out on the team’s second possession following an injury to starter Javonte Williams. Williams departed in the first quarter and missed the remainder of the first half before returning with the starters after the break. Fantasy managers will want to track Williams’ activity level in practice in the coming week ahead of a Week 16 meeting with the Chargers.

Williams again operated as a borderline workhorse back for a Cowboys team that is surging late in the season. His fourth quarter receiving touchdown came on a broken play from the three while trailing by a point, with a successful two-point conversion giving the Cowboys a lead they would not relinquish. Backup running back Malik Davis surged to 47 yards and a touchdown on only three carries and could begin to earn more work in the backfield after consecutive strong performances on limited touches.

Davis is emerging as the clear RB2 behind Javonte Williams, who had 87 scoreless yards on 20 rushes against a tough Philadelphia front seven in Week 12. Davis showed a lot of burst on two of his three carries against the Eagles, including a 21-yard run up the middle. Davis should be stashed on fantasy benches this week in case Williams gets dinged up down the stretch. Jaydon Blue was once again a healthy inactive in Week 12.

Davis was active as the backup to Javonte Williams in Week 9 over rookie Jaydon Blue and saw just one carry for three yards. He has played in three games this season, totaling three carries for six yards. The Cowboys jettisoning Davis either indicates rookie seventh-rounder Phil Mafah (shoulder) is nearing a return from injured reserve or a renewed confidence in Blue. Either way, Williams will continues to dominate backfield touches for the Cowboys. Davis is also a candidate to return via practice squad.

The usual. Grier spent all of 2022 and most of 2024 with the Cowboys practice squad. He’s back to ride again. Joining him on the Dallas practice squad are: LB Justin Barron, WR Jalen Brooks, DT Earnest Brown, G Saahdiq Charles, T Geron Christian, S Alijah Clark, WR Jalen Cropper, RB Malik Davis, TE Rivaldo Fairweather, TE Princeton Fant, CB Kemon Hall, WR Traeshon Holden, LB Buddy Johnson and CB Robert Rochell.