Cowboys news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis was carted off with a hip injury before Sunday's opener.
Dallas is patching its backfield and offensive line while weighing a defensive trade.
Background
Dallas is coming off a 7-10 season and heads into the opener at MetLife Stadium with roster churn. The Cowboys restructured Daron Bland and Jake Ferguson's contracts to clear cap space, added former Pro Bowl lineman Laken Tomlinson to the practice squad after Tyler Smith went to injured reserve with a thumb injury, and reshuffled running back depth after Malik Davis's injury. Owner/GM Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that the team is "in play" for a trade, likely on defense.
How it unfolded
- Sep 7, 2026Dallas restructures Daron Bland and Jake Ferguson contracts to clear cap space; Malik Davis is fined for a lowering-the-helmet incident.
- Sep 10, 2026Cowboys add former Pro Bowl lineman Laken Tomlinson to the practice squad and move Nick Leverett to the 53-man roster to back up new starter TJ Bass after Tyler Smith goes on injured reserve with a thumb injury.
- Sep 10, 2026Tight end Luke Schoonmaker misses Thursday's practice; practice squad tight end Michael Trigg does rehab for a toe injury.
- Sep 11, 2026Running back Malik Davis suffers a hip injury in Friday's practice, is carted off, and is ruled out for Sunday's opener; COO Stephen Jones calls it "pretty serious."
- Sep 13, 2026Dallas signs Israel Abanikanda off the practice squad after Davis's injury, which requires surgery; the team also claimed Emari Demercado off waivers from Kansas City to back up Javonte Williams.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said DeMarvion Overshown will take the bulk of relaying defensive plays, noting "D-Mo will be doing a lot of the heavy lifting."
- Official
- Owner/GM Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that the Cowboys are "in play" for a trade if the right opportunity comes along, likely on defense.
- Analysts
- An NFC scout in an ESPN poll said Dak Prescott should have a big year and, if the team stays healthy, has a good chance to win the NFC East.
- Expert
- Nick Harris predicted the Cowboys over the Giants with the total under 48.5.
Still unverified
It is unclear whether Luke Schoonmaker's Thursday practice absence is injury related, leaving his availability against the Giants uncertain. The extent of the damage from Malik Davis's hip injury was not yet known at the time of reporting.