​The Dallas Cowboys have suffered an early setback ahead of their season opener against the New York Giants. Running back Malik Davis suffered a hip injury during practice and was later ruled out for the game.Davis had been expected to contribute in the Cowboys’ backfield this season. His absence leaves Dallas with fewer options in the backfield ahead of the season opener.Malik Davis’ hip injury ‘is bad’ per insiderMalik Davis suffered a hip injury during the Dallas Cowboys’ Friday practice ahead of their season opener against the New York Giants. He was carted off the field and ruled out of Sunday’s game.Malik Davis breaks a tackle against the Houston Texans (USA Today)Davis had a strong preseason before the injury. He finished with 12 carries for 68 rushing yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, and also recorded a receiving touchdown. His performance helped him secure a role in the Cowboys’ backfield.ESPN’s Todd Archer first reported that Davis would miss the Giants game. Archer wrote, “Cowboys RB Malik Davis has been ruled out of Sunday’s game vs. the Giants because of a hip injury suffered in Friday’s practice.” He added that Davis was undergoing further examination to determine the severity of the injury.ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler later reported that Dallas was preparing for an extended absence. Fowler wrote, “Cowboys are bracing for an extended absence here. ‘It’s bad,’ said one source.”With Davis ruled out, the Cowboys will rely on their remaining backfield options to fill the backup running back role.Cowboys’ options at running back need to step inJavonte Williams is expected to remain the Cowboys’ primary running back after rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries in 16 starts during the 2025 season. He also had 35 receptions for 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Williams enters the 2026 season as Dallas’ main option in the backfield.Emari Demercado could now take on a larger role behind Williams. Dallas claimed Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on September 1. Before joining the Cowboys, he spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Over those three seasons, Demercado amassed 819 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 126 carries, while catching 50 passes for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown. He was a capable rotational back for Arizona, totaling 1,143 rushing yards on 176 touches across his time there.Hunter Luepke is another player Dallas can use in its backfield. The Cowboys have primarily used Luepke as a fullback, but he has also taken offensive snaps at running back and lined up at multiple positions including tight end and H-back. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of North Dakota State and has played multiple roles on offense and special teams for Dallas, earning a contract extension ahead of the 2026 season.Israel Abanikanda is currently on the Cowboys’ practice squad. He previously played for the New York Jets and