Malik Davis was the star of the show in Week 17 against the Commanders, but could he have given the coaching staff something to think about for 2026 as well?
The Dallas Cowboys have had a good run game this season, with Javonte Williams having a career-best season.
But the big issue has been who backs Javonte up.
It wasn't Jaydon Blue, at least not yet. So, Dallas turned to Malik Davis.
After being released in the offseason, the Cowboys brought him back, and Davis has answered the bell whenever his number has called.
His biggest moment came in the form of a 103-yard game from 20 carries in the 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 17.
Taking over from a banged-up Williams, Davis took the majority of the workload and rumbled his way to a great day.
“First of all, special young man,” Schottenheimer said on Cowboys Huddle. “He had an incredible game. I say it this way, when we let Malik go, we cut him, when he came back, he was different, and I think that's from being on the street, and he had a couple workouts, but nobody kind of signed him.
"We brought him back. I knew he was different, what a warrior, and we trust him. So proud of what he did.”
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With the Cowboys having a pressing need to get a stable backup for Williams, after Malik's performance against Washington, have they just found it?
He knows the system, is loved by his head coach, he's producing when he's in the game (20+ rushing yards in five of six games), and he's never had more than eight carries in a game this year until Christmas Day.
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But here is perhaps the biggest selling point to the front office -- he's a cheap option.
If the Cowboys are to extend Javonte, having a backup making next to nothing is good business.
And after Davis' exploits against Washington, he might have had a big say in getting a spot on the 2026 roster.