Dallas Cowboys · 2026
Who is Javonte Williams’s handcuff?
Explore the full Dallas Cowboys depth chart, player roles and draft history
The published backfield pick
Emari Demercado
Behind Javonte Williams · DAL
Emari Demercado is the preferred candidate in the published analysis, but this backfield has committee uncertainty. An absence may spread work across more than one player.
Demercado is the eligible next option; an Abanikanda elevation could split work.
Handcuff score
Backup opportunity, not projected points or an injury probability.
Analysis published . Status and role notes reflect that board.
Check official availability and your league’s transaction rules before adding.
If Javonte Williams misses time
Dallas reported Sept. 11 that RB2 Malik Davis needs hip surgery and will go to season-ending IR. The same report says Dallas will likely turn to Demercado and possibly practice-squad back Israel Abanikanda. Dallas' Sept. 1 transaction feature says Demercado joined the active 53 and sat directly behind Davis. That makes Demercado the best eligible lead-replacement candidate after Davis is corrected out, though a committee remains likely.
Davis' season-ending hip injury changes the room. Demercado is already on the active 53 and Dallas identifies him as the likely next option, with a possible Abanikanda elevation creating committee risk.
Waiver claim who reunites with OC Klayton Adams from Arizona and knows the scheme. Reliable in protection and on third down, but a complementary piece — not the answer for 15+ carries if Williams missed time.
- availability_unverified
- stale_availability
- committee-risk
- possible-practice-squad-elevation
- recent-acquisition
Why this candidate scores here
Other candidates in this backfield
Hunter Luepke
fullback · score 34/100
Candidates and scores are from the same published board. A split workload can limit the upside of any one backup.
The production behind the names
2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.
| Player | Games with stats | Carries | Receptions | Total yards | PPR / game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 252 | 35 | 1338 | 15.2 |
| 12 | 44 | 13 | 413 | 4.9 |
Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025
Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025
Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.
Sources behind the analysis
- Malik Davis out with 'pretty serious' injury
- Emari Demercado returns 'home' to Dallas, has reason to be excited with Cowboys
Published analysis may use automated research. How evidence and recommendations are handled.
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