Ex-Cowboys RB Malik Davis Shocking Cardinals Camp, Stealing RB2 Role
From Afterthought to Contender: How Malik Davis Is Fighting for a Cowboys Roster Spot
The Big Picture: A Surprising Turn in the Cowboys’ Backfield Battle
Most Dallas Cowboys fans have spent the offseason talking about the team’s two young, flashy running backs: Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. But heading into the second preseason game, the conversation has completely flipped. Now, everyone is talking about Malik Davis—a fourth-year player who was barely on anyone’s radar just weeks ago.
KEY TAKEAWAY
While Blue and Mafah have the "wow" factor, Davis brings something the younger backs haven’t shown yet: reliability and consistency. In football, sometimes the steady player wins the job over the flashy one.
Who Is Malik Davis? The "Underdog" Story
Malik Davis’s NFL journey reads like a movie script about never giving up. Here’s the timeline:
The Malik Davis Timeline
- 2022 – Signed as an UDFA (Undrafted Free Agent) after the NFL Draft. Played in 12 games: 38 carries, 161 yards (4.2 avg), 1 touchdown.
- 2023 – Waived (cut) but brought back to the practice squad (a "reserve" team where players practice but don’t play in games). Spent the whole year there.
- 2024 – Spent the entire season on the practice squad again. Zero regular-season games.
- 2025 (Early) – Waived twice before finally sticking on the active roster.
- 2025 (Season) – Played in 10 games: 52 carries, 250 yards (4.8 avg), 2 touchdowns.
IMPORTANT POINT
UDFA = Undrafted Free Agent. This means no team picked him in the NFL Draft. He had to earn everything the hard way.Practice Squad = A group of up to 16 players who practice with the team but don’t play on Sundays unless "elevated" (temporarily promoted).
Why Is Davis Suddenly in the Spotlight?
Three main reasons have thrust Davis into the RB2 conversation (the backup to starter Javonte Williams):
| Reason | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 1. Injuries to the "Stars" | Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah are both limited in practice with injuries. |
| 2. Preseason Opportunity | With Blue and Mafah likely sitting out the Week 2 preseason game vs. the Cardinals, Davis will get a heavy workload (lots of carries) to prove himself. |
| 3. His Track Record | Every time Davis has gotten a real chance, he’s produced. He’s the definition of "shows up when his number is called." |
What Makes Davis Different? (ELI5 Breakdown)
Think of the Cowboys’ running backs like three different types of cars:
| Player | Car Analogy | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Jaydon Blue | Sports Car | Fast, flashy, big-play ability—but might break down or fumble. |
| Phil Mafah | Monster Truck | Powerful, runs people over, "Marshawn Lynch-style"—but maybe inconsistent. |
| Malik Davis | Toyota Camry | Not the flashiest, but starts every time, gets you where you need to go, never leaves you stranded. |
Davis’s superpower? Consistency.
Coaches love consistency. It means they can trust you in critical moments—3rd down, goal line, 4th quarter.
What Happens Next? The Road to the 53-Man Roster
The Cowboys must cut their roster down to 53 players in a few weeks. Here’s how Davis can lock down a spot:
Davis’s Checklist to Make the Team
- Ball Security – Zero fumbles in preseason.
- Pass Protection – Block blitzing linebackers so the quarterback stays upright.
- Special Teams – Contribute on kickoff/punt coverage (huge for backup RBs).
- Efficiency – Keep averaging 4.5+ yards per carry against real NFL defenders.
- Stay Healthy – Availability is the #1 ability.
REALITY CHECK
Even if Davis plays great, the Cowboys might keep 3 running backs (Williams, Blue, Mafah) and stash Davis on the practice squad again. But if Blue or Mafah start the season injured, Davis could be Week 1 RB2.
Summary: Why You Should Root for Malik Davis
- Overcame the odds – UDFA, cut multiple times, two full years on practice squad.
- Produces when given snaps – 4.8 yards/carry in 2025 isn’t luck; it’s skill.
- Does the "unsexy" stuff – Blocks well, holds onto the ball, knows the playbook.
- Right place, right time – Injuries to Blue/Mafah opened a door; Davis is kicking it down.
Whether he wins the RB2 job or simply forces the Cowboys to keep him around, Malik Davis has already won the respect of everyone paying attention.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "RB2" mean?
RB2 = The second running back on the depth chart. The starter is RB1 (Javonte Williams). RB2 gets the carries when RB1 needs a rest or is hurt.
Can a practice squad player play in real games?
Yes! Teams can "elevate" up to 2 practice squad players per week to the active roster for game day. But they can only do this 3 times per player per season before they must sign them to the 53-man roster.
Why do teams keep 3 running backs?
Injuries happen constantly at RB. Most teams carry 3–4 on the 53-man roster, plus 1–2 on the practice squad. It’s insurance.
What’s the difference between "waived" and "cut"?
Waived = Player has < 4 accrued NFL seasons. They go on waivers (other teams can claim them for 24 hours).
Released/Cut = Veteran with ≥ 4 accrued seasons. They become a free agent immediately.
If Davis makes the team, does that mean Blue or Mafah gets cut?
Not necessarily. The Cowboys could keep 4 RBs (rare but possible), or put one on Injured Reserve (IR) if the injury is serious enough. Or… Davis could be the odd man out again. That’s the NFL.
YOUR TURN
Who do YOU think wins the RB2 job: Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, or Phil Mafah? Drop your pick in the comments!