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Dallas Cowboys sign RB Malik Davis after placing OL Rob Jones on injured reserve

ProfilePhotoby: Nick Geddes08/08/25NickGeddesNews
Malik Davis
Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys announced Friday they have signed running back Malik Davis. In a corresponding move, Dallas has placed offensive lineman Rob Jones on season-ending injury reserve after he suffered a neck injury earlier in training camp.

Jones, 26, signed a one-year deal worth $3.75 million in free agency. He was expected to compete for a backup spot on the Cowboys’ offensive line. Jones started all 17 games last season for the Miami Dolphins. He was reported to be facing a two-to-three-month recovery but will now miss the entirety of the 2025 season.

With Jones on injured reserve, Dallas welcomes back Davis. The 26-year-old tailback, who went undrafted in 2022, signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad shortly after that year’s NFL Draft. Davis has been on and off the roster since, waived as recent as April 30. Davis suited up in 15 games across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, rushing for 161 yards and one score on 38 carries.

The Cowboys open up their preseason Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. “Davis could very well see playing time and snaps at some point in the game,” per DallasCowboys.com.

Cowboys add depth to RB room

Davis faces a tough climb to crack the 53-man roster. The running back room includes veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, as well as youngsters Jaydon Blue and Deuce Vaughn. The Cowboys struggled to run the ball last season, finishing 27th in rushing yards per game.

Dallas didn’t run the ball well in Tuesday’s joint practice against the Rams. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said, “don’t read much into it.”

“Don’t read too much into it,” Schottenheimer said. “We literally kept all of our clubs in the bag. It was like we were out there playing with a 7-iron. I hate to tell you guys, but I’m going to be honest, we’re going to be playing with a 7-iron most of the preseason.”