Malik Davis exploded onto the Cowboys’ summer scene in the preseason opener vs Rams, rushing seven times for 63 yards and delivering a 16-yard burst in the fourth. An undrafted Florida product who’s spent three seasons in Dallas, he seized a rare chance as Dallas’ backfield dealt with injuries, including rookie Jaydon Blue’s ankle issue and Miles Sanders’ knee treatment. Davis’s day wasn’t just about yardage; it showed a player who can blend familiarity with Schottenheimer’s system with quick, on-the-fly learning of new plays.

In roughly 36 hours, Davis became the Cowboys’ leading rusher, turning opportunity into momentum as the backfield remains wide open. He spoke of belonging and maximizing his chance, while Schottenheimer praised him, saying, “He had a hell of a day.” The episode underscored a real competition angle for fantasy managers: if the backfield continues to be unsettled by injuries, Davis could carve out meaningful role potential behind a shifting roster.