Cowboys place Malik Davis on IR with hip injury and sign Israel Abanikanda off practice squad

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys placed running back Malik Davis on injured reserve Saturday, a day after he sustained a hip injury in practice, and added Israel Abanikanda to the active roster from the practice squad.

Davis had the No. 2 job behind Javonte Williams before the injury, holding on to that spot through training camp as second-year back Jaydon Blue of Texas competed against him. Davis’ injury requires surgery.

The Cowboys waived Blue at the end of the preseason and claimed Emari Demercado off waivers from Kansas City. Demercado will fill the role behind Williams in Sunday’s season opener at the New York Giants. Dallas also has fullback Hunter Luepke.

Davis ran for 411 yards and three touchdowns as Williams’ backup last season. Demercado had 312 yards in his third season with Arizona.

Demercado has a history with Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. They were together for Demercardo’s first two years with the Cardinals.

Abanikanda was a fifth-round pick by the New York Jets three years ago. He joined the Dallas practice squad last season.

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