Wednesday, September 23, 1998

Emmitt in doubt; Aikman looks ahead

By David Moore

The Dallas Morning News

(KRT)

DALLAS - Cowboys' Coach Chan Gailey isn't sure who will be the starting running back Sunday against Oakland.

He knows Jason Garrett will be the starting quarterback. But Tuesday, Troy Aikman spoke publicly for the first time about a target date for his return: Oct. 11 against the Carolina Panthers.

"I think that's optimistic," said Aikman, who has been historically optimistic about how long it takes him to return from injuries. "But at the same time, I think there's a chance."

Until then, life - and preparation for the Raiders - goes on. The Cowboys' coaching staff barely had time to enjoy its 31-7 dismantling of the New York Giants before it went to work on another game plan.

There's a 50 percent chance this one will not include Emmitt Smith.

Smith is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a strained right groin. He suffered the injury late in the second quarter against the Giants and didn't return.

Smith spent the second half on the sideline and told several players he didn't believe the pull was serious. It wasn't serious enough for the Cowboys to order an MRI. But it's enough of a concern that Smith's work in practice this week will be limited.

Gailey said Smith wouldn't practice Wednesday. The team and Smith will play Thursday by ear. That means Chris Warren and Sherman Williams will carry the load in practice this week.

This will be the first time Warren has worked out with the team since he suffered a strained left groin - an injury believed to be much more severe than Smith's - in the Cowboys' final pre-season game Aug. 27. His injury opened the door for Williams, an unsigned free agent who was concentrating on his music production company when the Cowboys called.

Warren played well in the pre-season. Williams carried the ball 20 times for 62 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's victory over New York. If Smith can't play, and no one was willing to make that declaration Tuesday, who would Gailey start?

"Don't make me answer that one right now," Gailey said. "Let's practice this week, see how things go and see where we are.

"I'm not convinced one way or the other which way it should be right now. You've got what Chris did in pre-season, and you've got what Sherman has done in regular season. You weigh those factors and health."

Aikman has had nine days to assess his health since suffering a fractured left collarbone in the loss to Denver. He's still nervous that it will hurt his shoulder when he bumps into people and the pain persists when he tries to make a hard throw.

But Aikman has resumed jogging and said he can make light throws without complication. He felt comfortable enough Tuesday to set Oct. 11 as a tentative timetable for his return.

"That's what I'm kind of shooting for," Aikman said. "Whether or not that's going to happen is a different story. But if I progress the way I hope to over the next couple of weeks, then I'll be able to play."

The next milepost to determine if that date is possible will be Aikman's ability to throw without pain.

"That's a reasonable time frame, but it's obviously earlier than what we anticipated," Cowboys' trainer Jim Maurer said, citing the original projection of four-to-eight weeks. "Pain is the biggest indicator right now, and the lack of pain, to give us an idea of how long it will take."

What will happen at running back is the more immediate issue since none of the three principles is completely healthy.

Williams suffered a left knee contusion in Monday's victory, but isn't expected to miss any time. Warren, like Smith, is listed as questionable, but Maurer said he anticipates the running back will be cleared to play against the Raiders.

"I'm optimistic I can play Sunday," Warren said. "I'll start working out again Wednesday, and we'll see how it goes from there."

FIRST-CLASS TREATMENT

Several of the veteran players are allowed to sit in first class on the Cowboys' charter flights this season.

They have Gailey to thank.

Gailey gives up his seat in first class on every trip and moves to coach. It's a policy Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher uses and one Gailey has adopted.

"For those of us who are fortunate enough to be up there, it's a great touch," Cowboys' quarterback Troy Aikman said. "I think Chan has tried to do all he can to take care of the players who have been here. He's very conscious to take care of guys, within reason."

The players weren't allowed in first class until this season. Owner Jerry Jones retained his block of seats while the rest went to front-office personnel and the coaching staff.

Those parameters still apply. But only four members of the coaching staff will sit in first class on any given trip. The rest open up to the players on the basis of seniority with the team and in the league.

"It is a nice touch," tight end Eric Bjornson said. "He (Gailey) is definitely a player-oriented guy."

A GOOD START

Gailey had good things to say about Jason Garrett's first start at quarterback in nearly four years.

"Jason really did a nice job," Gailey said. "He didn't force anything, and he made the big throw when he had to.

"There were four drops in the ballgame, and that upsets me to be honest with you. We should not drop those balls. He really played better than his percentage shows."

Garrett completed 12 of 28 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown in the victory over New York.

HEMSLEY OUT

Linebacker Nate Hemsley will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a right ankle that was fractured in the win against the Giants.

He's expected to be out for at least three months. Gailey said the team is exploring the possibility of bringing in another backup linebacker who can also help on special teams.

(c) 1998, The Dallas Morning News.

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