Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has been fined $6,735 for an unnecessary roughness infraction during a preseason matchup 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 run.
Although no penalty was called during the game, the NFL later imposed the fine as part of its routine handling of preseason violations.
Davis stands out as the only Cowboys player fined during the preseason. The highest fine in the league during this time was imposed on Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Tytus Howard, who received a $12,537 fine for a similar infraction in the first week of the preseason.
Davis is in his second year of a two-year contract worth $2.1 million, with a base salary of $1.1 million for 2026. The fine constitutes roughly 0.6% of his salary. The NFL donates all fines to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which aids athletes in need and promotes health and safety initiatives.
Throughout the offseason, Davis competed for the backup running back role against Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Despite expectations that Blue might secure a spot, he was released along with Mafah, allowing Davis to assume the backup position behind starting running back Javonte Williams.
