Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has been penalized with a fine of $6,735 due to an infraction during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. The fine was issued for unnecessary roughness related to illegal helmet usage, which occurred in the first quarter of the Week 2 preseason matchup at the 12:07 mark. Despite the infraction, Davis was not penalized during the game.
The NFL typically announces all preseason fines after the exhibition games are concluded, which is when this fine was made public. Davis is the only player from the Cowboys to receive a fine during the preseason. In comparison, the highest fine issued in the league was to Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Tytus Howard, who faced a $12,537 fine for a similar offense in Week 1.
Davis is currently in the second year of a two-year contract worth $2.1 million, with a base salary of $1.1 million for 2026. The fine represents approximately 0.6% of his salary. The NFL allocates all fines collected to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which supports former athletes in need and funds health and wellness initiatives for athletes at all levels.
In terms of his role on the team, Davis competed for the backup running back position throughout the offseason alongside Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Although Blue was seen as a potential frontrunner, he was cut from the roster along with Mafah, allowing Davis to secure the backup role behind Javonte Williams.
Following the roster cuts, the Cowboys signed Emari Demercado off waivers to provide additional depth at the running back position.
