FRISCO, Texas — Malik Davis picked up a free safety firing through the backside B gap on the first play at Arizona. Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Monday at The Star that Davis was incredible in pass protection.
Jaydon Blue ran well and ran hard on the tape from Arizona, Schottenheimer said, a week after Blue was slowed by a shoulder issue.
“They’re making it hard on us. They just all keep doing a good job with the tasks that they’re given, the roles that they’re given. And it seems like everyone that goes in there just does their job,” Schottenheimer said. “I will speak to this. I thought Malik Davis was incredible from a pass protection standpoint. Very first play of the game, they fire the free safety in the backside B gap, and he steps up and just strikes him. And then there was a nickel blitz off the edge, and he’s playing with a lot of confidence.”
Davis caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Joe Milton III in the second quarter. Phil Mafah scored on a 15-yard run.
Malik Davis’ Path To The Dallas Cowboys Roster
Davis signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2022. He has been waived, re-signed, elevated from the practice squad, and signed to the active roster repeatedly across four years. Dallas waived him on May 1 last year and signed him again on Aug. 8. He signed a two-year contract worth $2.18 million in November.
Davis played 10 games last season and ran 52 times for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns. He averaged 4.8 yards a carry and caught 2 passes for 16 yards. He ran 20 times for 103 yards against Washington on Christmas Day, his first 100-yard game. Calf and eye injuries from that game sent him to injured reserve on Jan. 3.
Through 25 career games Davis has 90 carries for 411 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Javonte Williams ran a career-high 252 times last season. Dallas drafted Blue in the fifth round and Mafah in the seventh in 2025.
What Is Left Before Dallas Cowboys Cuts
Dallas practices in front of fans at The Star on Tuesday and Wednesday. The preseason closes Friday against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m. CT on CBS.
Rosters must be at 53 players by 5 p.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 30. Waiver claims are due at noon CT the next day.
