Tuesday, September 3, 1996

Emmitt out of hospital, may be able to play in two weeks
Injury to Emmitt Caps Bad Night (DMN)

By the Associated Press
(Sept. 3, 1996)

CHICAGO (AP) - Emmitt Smith, a crucial cog in the offense that took the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl title last year, was not severely injured on a play that froze his teammates in horror.

Smith was released from a hospital late this morning. He had some soreness and stiffness in his neck and shoulders, but results of an MRI, CAT scan and other tests were negative.

"Emmitt's OK," said team physician Dr. Robert Vandermeer in Dallas. "He should be coming back from Chicago later this afternoon."

"There are no fractures at all and Emmitt is feeling well," Vandermeer said after speaking with doctors who evaluated Smith in Chicago.

Asked if the All-Pro running back would be able to play in the home opener Sunday against the New York Giants, Vandermeer said, "We're going to take it day by day, and I'll see him again tomorrow."

The Cowboys star running back spent the night in a hospital after being injured in a 22-6 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Smith, a four-time NFL rushing champion, was hurt with less than four minutes left Monday night when he carried out a fake, dived in the air and appeared to land on his shoulder.

The extent of the injury was not immediately known. Smith had pain up and down his back, but had movement in all his extremities, the team said.

Precautionary X-rays were negative and Smith was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The game was delayed for almost 10 minutes while Smith lay on the ground near the end zone. The injury occurred with 3:41 left and the Cowboys trailing 22-3.

Quarterback Troy Aikman faked to Smith, then rolled out around right end and was knocked out of bounds. Smith had gone the other way and leaped into the air and came down hard without being hit by a defender.

Smith, who started despite a sore knee, gained 70 yards on 18 carries.

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