Cowboys RB Malik Davis Summoned for NFL Drug Test After Breakout Thanksgiving Game

The Dallas Cowboys earned a dramatic 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving. Running back Malik Davis played a pivotal role in the win. His surprising performance was nearly overshadowed by a postgame request from the league.

Davis was reportedly selected for a random NFL drug test immediately following the game. This common league procedure often follows standout performances from unexpected players.

A League Policy Under Scrutiny After Emotional Victory

According to reports, Davis was notified of the test right after speaking with media. The timing sparked discussion among fans and analysts. The NFL’s drug testing program is mandatory for all players.

The system includes random tests throughout the season. A player producing a career-best game can trigger a test. The logic is to ensure performance was achieved naturally.

Davis scored on a critical 43-yard touchdown run. That play gave Dallas a lead they would not relinquish. For a player who has been on the practice squad, it was a landmark moment.

The testing protocol, while standard, can feel intrusive. It arrives at a time of pure celebration for the athlete. For Davis, it was another hurdle in an unpredictable career journey.

From Practice Squad to Spotlight: Davis’s Long Road

Malik Davis’s path to this moment was arduous. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Florida. He has spent much of his four seasons on the Cowboys’ practice squad.

Davis has been waived and re-signed multiple times in 2025 alone. His perseverance finally paid off on a national stage. The touchdown against the Chiefs was just his second career score.

This performance likely solidifies his role as the primary backup runner. Team depth is crucial for a postseason push. His story is one of resilience that resonates deeply with fans.

The random drug test is now a footnote in a much larger narrative. It is a testament to his sudden impact. Davis’s future with the team looks more secure than ever before.

The NFL’s drug testing protocol remains a fixed part of the sport’s landscape. For players like Malik Davis, a surprise test is a backhanded compliment for a job well done. It highlights a system designed for integrity, even when it interrupts a personal triumph.

Info at your fingertips

What is the NFL’s random drug testing policy?

The NFL conducts unannounced, random tests for performance-enhancing substances and drugs of abuse throughout the season. All players are subject to selection at any time.

Why would Malik Davis be tested after this game?

Players who have standout or statistically unusual performances are often automatically added to the testing pool. It is a standard league procedure to maintain competitive fairness.

Did Malik Davis fail the drug test?

There is no indication he failed. The report simply states he was selected for a test. These tests are routine, and failures are relatively rare across the league.

What was Malik Davis’s stat line against the Chiefs?

Davis had a 43-yard touchdown run that was a key play in the game. He provided a crucial spark for the Cowboys’ offense in a tight contest.

What does this mean for Davis’s role on the team?

His explosive performance strongly positions him as the RB2 behind the starter. It builds tremendous trust with the coaching staff for critical game moments.