Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has received a fine of $6,735 for unnecessary roughness due to illegal helmet use during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. The incident occurred in the first quarter at the 12:07 mark, during a play where Davis gained five yards.
Although the play was not penalized at the time, the NFL later issued the fine, which is customary for preseason infractions.
Davis was the only player from the Cowboys to be fined during the preseason. In contrast, the highest fine across the league was imposed on Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Tytus Howard, who was fined $12,537 for a similar infraction in Week 1 of the preseason.
Currently in the second year of a two-year, $2.1 million contract, Davis’s base salary for 2026 is set at $1.1 million, making the fine approximately 0.6% of his earnings. The NFL has stated that all fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which supports athletes in need and promotes health and safety initiatives.
Davis secured the backup running back position behind Javonte Williams after a competitive offseason that included fellow players Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Despite Blue's strong potential, he was cut from the team along with Mafah. Blue has since joined the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad, while Mafah remains a free agent.
