In Williams’ absence, Malik Davis stepped in to carry the rushing workload and helped the Cowboys snap a three-game losing streak. For the 2026 season, Davis was expected to continue filling that role if Williams were sidelined again. However, a hip injury suffered during Friday practice at the team facility in Frisco sidelined Davis and led to him being escorted out of the facility, signaling a shift in the Cowboys’ plans for their running back depth.
With Davis on injured reserve, the Cowboys moved to shore up their backfield by adding depth. A report from Aaron Wilson (via X) indicated that Dallas signed running back Tyler Goodson off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad to the 53-man roster. Goodson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2022 and later joined the Indianapolis Colts in September 2023. Over three seasons with the Colts, Goodson accumulated 54 rushing carries for 264 yards and 19 receptions for 103 yards across 34 games. After his tenure with the Colts, the Falcons added him to their practice squad with a one-year deal in March 2026, and Dallas quickly claimed him.
Dallas upped the stakes by adding Goodson as they prepared for a Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants on September 13, 2026. Dallas lost that game 28-20. The defense, under a newly appointed coordinator, struggled to contain the Giants’ offensive drives, allowing four touchdowns on seven possessions. The Cowboys’ run game also faced challenges, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke about the issues after the contest. Williams, who started the game and was the lead back, managed 41 rushing yards on 12 carries. The coaching staff noted that the defensive line generated significant penetration early, creating a wall for Williams to contend with.
Williams acknowledged the team’s performance, creditting the opposition for a strong game plan and stating that the Cowboys needed to execute better in future meetings. This game highlighted questions about whether the backfield would benefit from keeping Malik Davis as a reliable backup, especially given Davis’ contributions over the previous seasons. Davis had demonstrated his value as a dependable rotational back before his season-ending injury, raising the possibility that the Cowboys might have been better positioned with him in the backfield.
Davis’ season-ending injury occurred on September 11, 2026, during Dallas’ final practice before Week 1. He sustained a hip injury and was carted off the field. The next day, it was announced that surgery would end his season before it began. Davis, 27, joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and earned a steady role as a backup across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, including a productive 2025 season in which he appeared in 10 games, recording 52 rushing attempts for 250 yards and two rushing touchdowns. One memorable score came as a short-yardage TD against the Vikings, where he bulldozed into the end zone for a one-yard score.
Team owner Jerry Jones had publicly praised Davis prior to Week 1, highlighting his value to the locker room and his emergence as a reliable contributor over two seasons. With Davis out, the team has shifted to Emari Demercado as the primary RB2 and has supplemented the position by adding Israel Abanikanda from the practice squad to the active roster.
The question now is whether Tyler Goodson can make an immediate impact and alter the Cowboys’ running back depth chart. His progression will depend on how quickly he can integrate with the new coaching staff and offensive system, as well as how quickly he can adapt to game roles and special-teams duties. The Cowboys will look for Goodson to provide a steady 10-to-15 carry workload when Williams is healthy and to contribute in relief duty when needed, especially given the injuries that have affected the backfield this season.
As the season unfolds, Dallas’ ability to establish a reliable and versatile ground attack will be crucial. The combination of Williams’ established talent, Demercado’s potential, and Goodson’s fresh addition could shape the Cowboys’ rushing strategy going forward. The coaching staff will likely monitor the backfield mix closely, balancing carries to maximize efficiency while protecting against further injuries. The backfield’s success will also depend on line play, game planning, and execution in both run and pass protection schemes.
In summary, with Malik Davis sidelined for the season and Tyler Goodson joining the roster, the Cowboys are aiming to strengthen their running back corps and maintain a productive ground attack through the season. Williams remains the focal point, but the depth behind him will be a critical factor in the team’s overall offensive performance.
