Cowboys reunite with fourth-year RB on practice squad

The Dallas Cowboys have been reshaping the team's roster throughout the Week 10 bye week, largely due to the NFL trade deadline and some major acquisitions to bolster the defensive side of the ball.

Dallas swung a deal to land Cincinnati Bengals team captain and star linebacker Logan Wilson for the discount price of a seventh-round pick, while making one of the biggest splash moves at the deadline by sending a 2026 second-round NFL draft pick and a 2027 first-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Those moves are expected to play long-term dividends for the Cowboys, but they've also made some under-the-radar moves while playing roster gymnastics.

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On Friday, the team announced it has reunited with running back Malik Davis, who was waived immediately following the trade deadline to make room for the team's new defensive stars. Davis has been on the team's practice squad since 2022, when he signed in Dallas as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Florida.

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis runs during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

NFL insider Aaron Wilson was first to report the news.

Davis has appeared in three games for the Cowboys this season, and 18 throughout his career.

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Malik Davis stats & info

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis runs the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Davis was a standout for the Florida Gators, where he showed off his versatility throughout his collegiate career. Davis went pro after recording 1,470 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns, while recording 70 catches for 726 yards and two additional scores.

Davis has spent time bouncing from the practice squad to the active roster throughout his career. During his rookie campaign, Davis saw his most extensive action with 161 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with six catches for 63 yards, in 12 appearances. Unfortunately, Davis has appeared in just six games since then.

Despite his limited action in the regular season, Davis has made an impact, and the team keeps calling his name. During the 2025 preseason, the Cowboys found themselves short-handed at running back and gave Davis the call. Just 24 hours later, Davis finished as the team's leading rusher.

Davis will continue to provide depth at the position as the season rolls on.

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