Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has been fined $6,735 for unnecessary roughness during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. The incident took place in the first quarter, specifically at the 12:07 mark, when Davis gained five yards on a carry.
Although he did not receive a penalty during the game, the NFL later imposed the fine as part of its routine for preseason violations.
Davis is the only player from the Cowboys to be fined during the preseason. The highest fine during this period was given to Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Tytus Howard, who was penalized $12,537 for a similar infraction in Week 1.
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 total 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 across football.
Davis has been competing for the backup running back position against Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah throughout the offseason. Despite expectations that Blue would secure a roster spot, he was cut along with Mafah, allowing Davis to take the backup role behind starting running back Javonte Williams. After the roster was finalized, the Cowboys added Emari Demercado off waivers for additional depth at the position.
