Backfield reshuffle follows Davis injury as Cowboys sign Abanikanda

Dallas has added veteran running back Israel Abanikanda after Malik Davis suffered a serious hip injury that will require surgery. Abanikanda is expected to become the Cowboys’ third running back.

Davis had held the No. 2 spot behind Javonte Williams during training camp while competing with Jaydon Blue. Dallas waived Blue after the preseason and claimed Emari Demercado from Kansas City. Demercado is set to back up Williams in Sunday’s season opener against the New York Giants, with fullback Hunter Luepke also on the roster.

Defensive communication duties will be handled primarily by fourth-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said other players could take the role in certain defensive packages, but Overshown is expected to handle much of the responsibility for relaying calls on the field.

A separate preview of the Giants game listed the projected scoring total at 48.5 points. Nick Harris picked the under, citing Dallas’ experience against New York’s offense, the opening-week setting and the possibility of weather affecting the game.

Ryan Flournoy’s contract was also discussed in a Cowboys roster analysis. His 2027 deal includes a $1.5 million base salary, a $500,000 roster bonus and $1.25 million in remaining signing-bonus proration.

The analysis said Dallas could save about $2 million against the salary cap by trading him before the roster bonus is paid, and that Flournoy could become a trade asset if he improves during 2026.

The Cowboys could also consider offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, who was released by Washington. Humphries was Arizona’s 24th overall selection in 2015, became a full-time starter in 2016 and remained with the Cardinals through 2023, although injuries affected parts of his career. Blogging The Boys compiled the coverage.

Source: Blogging The Boys.

Sources

bloggingtheboys.com