Cowboys thin in the backfield for Week 1 vs. NYG

It is unclear whether this is a season-ending injury or if Davis has a chance to return later in the year. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier that the Cowboys were “bracing for an extended absence” and that a source told him, “it’s bad.” It sounds like Davis’ 2026 season may be over. Cowboys RB Emari Demercado now sits behind starting RB Javonte Williams, and RB Israel Abanikanda is on the practice squad.

Regarding Davis’ injury, Fowler’s source said simply, “it’s bad.” The Cowboys’ No. 2 running back is undergoing further testing, but we expect them to place him on injured reserve before long. The Cowboys waived RB Jaydon Blue and RB Phil Mafah last month. Blue has since signed with the Eagles’ practice squad. The Cowboys have RB Emari Demercado on the active roster behind RB Javonte Williams. Currently, only RB Israel Abanikanda is on the practice squad in Dallas.

The Cowboys also released/waived LB Justin Barron, RB Jaydon Blue, CB Trikweze Bridges, CB Josh Butler, S Zion Childress, RB Jashaun Corbin, DT Tommy Dunn, G Chris Glaser, T Sebastian Gutierrez, WR Jordan Hudson, T Marcellus Johnson, G Trevor Keegan, TE Zack Kuntz, LB Isaiah Land, RB Phil Mafah, DT Dayo Odeleye, LB Langston Patterson, T Shiyazh Pete, WR Anthony Smith, WR Jaden Smith, CB Reddy Steward, DT Jay Toia, TE Michael Trigg, TE Mitch Van Vooren, G DJ Wingfield, DT DJ Withers, S Julius Wood, WR Tyler Johnson, CB Derioin Kendrick, WR Denzel Mims, LB Curtis Robinson, WR Marquez Valeds-Scantling, LB Sam Williams, TE DJ Rogers and placed LB Marist Liufau and CB Devin Moore.

Davis appears to have secured a roster spot, but we won’t know for sure until Sunday. The broadcast initially referred to him as the starter, but it was instead RB Phil Mafah who took the field. Mafah dominated backfield touches throughout the first half, repeatedly running into Saints defenders on runs up the middle. He was spelled by RB Israel Abanikanda. Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue does not seem to be playing this evening. Last Sunday, The Athletic’s Jon Machota predicted Blue would seize the No. 2 running back job from Davis in-season.

The good news is that Blue took “some” snaps in team drills for the first time this week, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. The bad news is that Blue was the fourth player up behind starting RB Javonte Williams and fellow backups RB Malik Davis and RB Israel Abanikanda. Earlier today, COO and co-owner Stephen Jones said Blue and RB Phil Mafah were being “pushed” by Davis. While it’s possible the team is just easing Blue back into action, his spot in the rotation, coupled with Jones’ comments, is concerning. He had received positive reviews to this point, but a fantasy-related reassessment may be in order. The backfield rotation in Saturday’s preseason game against the Cardinals is worth tracking.

Hardman was waived at last cuts but decided that staying with the Packers made sense. The 27-year-old will likely be elevated in Week 1 if Jayden Reed’s injury is as serious as it seems. Also joining the Packers practice squad are: QB Clayton Tune, RB Israel Abanikanda, DL Deslin Alexandre, DB Johnathan Baldwin, T Brant Banks, DL James Ester, LB Jamon Johnson, K Mark McNamee, DL Arron Mosby, WR Isaiah Neyor, WR Will Sheppard, DB Jaylin Simpson, and LB Kristian Welch.

In three preseason games, Abanikanda rushed 24 times for 71 yards, one touchdown and one fumble and caught 2-of-4 targets for 14 yards. He could return to the Packers via the practice squad. The Packers released DL Deslin Alexandre, DB Johnathan Baldwin, T Brant Banks, LB Jared Bartlett, G Tyler Cooper, RB Tyrion Davis-Price, DL James Ester, CB Tyron Herring, WR Julian Hicks, C Trey Hill, RB Amar Johnson, WR Cornelius Johnson, LB Jamon Johnson, CB Kalen King, G JJ Lippe, TE Johnny Lumpkin, K Mark McNamee, DL Arron Mosby, WR Isaiah Neyor, DL Devonte O’Malley, WR Will Sheppard, DB Jaylin Simpson, G/C Lecitus Smith, TE Messiah Swinson, T Kadeem Telfort and LB Kristian Welch. The Packers placed C/G Jacob Monk placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.

Abanikanda moves from one Shanahan system to another. Unfortunately, for the one-cut-and-go runner, the Packers’ running back unit is even deeper than the 49ers’. He is unlikely to find a fantasy-relevant role in Green Bay.

Cephus has not played an NFL game since 2022, when he caught 2-of-3 targets for 15 yards. He is not guaranteed to make the final roster and does not need to be considered as a late-round option. The team waived RB Israel Abanikanda in a corresponding move.

The 49ers will feature their fourth running back of the season on Sunday against the Dolphins if Guerendo can’t suit up. Guerendo was a DNP in Wednesday’s practice, but it sounds like the team is already preparing to be without the rookie. It’s hard to know what direction the 49ers could go in here, but Patrick Taylor figures to be first in line for touches as the most-tenured member of the Niners. Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Israel Abanikanda only recently joined the team after it was revealed Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason would be placed on injured reserve, but both backs could also work into the mix even if Taylor operates as the lead back.