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Smith willing to share backfield with Williams

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Like it or not, Emmitt Smith is sharing time in the Dallas Cowboys' backfield with Sherman Williams.

So Smith has decided he might as well like it.

"I can probably go around and raise a stink about it and probably get it changed ... but whether or not it's going to help me, I think the rest is appropriate," Smith said.

"I just want to do whatever it takes to win the game. If it's rotating me and Sherman in and out after every eight plays or whatever, than that's what it is. Let's do it."

Last Sunday, Williams replaced Smith for the second series of the game and the second series of the second half. He ran eight times for 28 yards.

"I think it's a definite positive that I get a chance to come in there and Emmitt gets a chance to rest, however many plays he's out," Williams said. "I just think if it continues to go this way, we'll have a better chance of running the ball well."

The Cowboys are 17th in the NFL with 106.2 yards rushing per game. They're the only team without a rushing touchdown.

In fact, Smith has gone seven regular season games without a rushing touchdown and he's only done it once in 11 games. The exception was a three-touchdown performance last Thanksgiving against Washington.

Dallas plays the Redskins on Sunday and it could be a perfect chance for Smith to end his drought. Washington's run defense is 29th in the league, allowing 154.2 yards per game.

"For us to have success this week, we're going to have to be able to run the football," quarterback Troy Aikman said. "Teams that have moved the ball against them that have had some success are teams that have run the football."

Smith remains stuck at third on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdown list with 108, two behind Walter Payton. He's sixth on the career touchdown chart with 115, one behind John Riggins.

The former MVP denies that his glory days are behind him.

"Let me ask you guys," Smith said to reporters gathered at his locker Thursday. "Why are you guys so quick to push me to retirement?"

He points out that he's still only 28 and he is "about as healthy as I've been in a long, long time."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he doesn't believe Smith is slowing.

"Fundamentally, he has carried the ball too many times" Jones said. "But we're talking about one of the best backs ever. We're still seeing a player in practice that still grinds it out.

"Emmitt has never wanted to be rested. ... The bottom line is I feel very good about the opportunity to get better."

Earl Campbell knows all about being overused. His Hall of Fame career was big on production but short on duration.

"What Emmitt has to do is figure out a way to let (Williams) get some more carries so that he can stay fresh for a period of years," Campbell said. "It's time for him to start playing smart."