Monday, August 19, 1996
Emmitt Feeling Better, Unsure of Return
By DENNE H. FREEMAN
AP Sports Writer
(August 19, 1996)
IRVING, Texas (AP) - Emmitt Smith was in pain but feeling a little
better Monday about surviving his frightful collision with 340-pound
offensive tackle Erik Williams.
But Smith said he won't know until next week whether his knee
and ankle will heal fast enough for him to play in the Dallas
Cowboys' season opener on Sept. 2 in Chicago against the Bears.
"It feels better than it did Saturday night," said
Smith, walking with a limp in the dressing room. "I know
how lucky I am. But it's difficult to assess right now how quick
the leg will respond. Usually I'm a quick healer, but whether
I can play next week is all speculation."
Smith suffered a left knee ligament sprain and a swollen ankle
when Williams fell on him from behind in the Cowboys 20-3 preseason
loss to the Denver Broncos.
"This one is a lot worse than the one I got last Thanksgiving
against Kansas City," Smith said.
Smith also suffered a left knee ligament sprain but was able
to play in the next game after 10 days of rest. Smith went on
to set Dallas records for rushing yardage with 1,773 and an NFL
record with 25 touchdowns.
"I hope my knee responds quickly because I don't want to
miss the Bears' game," Smith said. "The offense has
been struggling and I need to be in there."
The Cowboys have been outscored 83-16 in their last three preseason
games, all losses.
Smith said the sad state of the Cowboys offense was one reason
he wanted to play against Denver.
"I felt I needed to get some work in," Smith said.
"It's easy to second guess it now."
Smith rushed 7 times for 11 yards before he was injured in the
second quarter of the Denver game.
Sherman Williams will replace Smith in Saturday night's exhibition
finale against the Houston Oilers in Orlando.
"I'm concentrating on Chicago now," Smith said. "I
pray I'll be there."
"It was a scary situation," said Dallas quarterback
Troy Aikman. "We feel lucky Emmitt didn't get hurt worse."
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