Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has been fined $6,735 due to an infraction for unnecessary roughness during a preseason matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. The incident took place in the first quarter when Davis gained five yards on a play, specifically at the 12:07 mark.
Although no penalty was called during the game, the NFL later imposed the fine as part of its routine process for preseason violations.
Davis is the only player from the Cowboys to receive a fine during the preseason. The highest fine issued in the league for this period was to Tytus Howard, an offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, who was penalized $12,537 for a similar infraction in Week 1 of the preseason.
Currently in his second year of a two-year contract worth $2.1 million, Davis has a base salary of $1.1 million for 2026. This fine accounts for about 0.6% of his salary. All fines collected by the NFL are directed to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which aids athletes in need and promotes health and safety initiatives.
Davis has been competing for the backup running back position against Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah throughout the offseason. Despite expectations that Blue might secure a roster spot, he was released alongside Mafah, allowing Davis to assume the backup role behind starting running back Javonte Williams. Following the initial roster setup, the Cowboys added Emari Demercado from waivers for added depth at the position.
