Thursday, September 24, 1998

Chris Warren gets long-awaited chance to play for Cowboys

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - It was Aug. 11 and a meaningless scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints in Shreveport.

Chris Warren went down with a groin injury that left the Dallas Cowboys without their high-priced backup to Emmitt Smith. Warren tried to play again in the last preseason game against Jacksonville and reinjured the groin.

Warren, the leading rusher in Seattle Seahawk history, still hasn't played a down for Dallas.

He's sorely needed against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday after Smith fell victim to groin problems in Dallas' 31-7 victory over the New York Giants.

Smith was listed as questionable, so the pressure is on Warren and Sherman Williams, who played well against the Giants.

"I'm needed now and I think I'm ready," Warren said. "I'm excited about playing and getting into the lineup. It's been frustrating being out. I've put a lot of pressure on myself to get back."

Coach Chan Gailey had worked long and hard in training camp to install plays for Warren in the offense.

Warren is an excellent receiver coming out of the backfield besides having the uncanny knack to hit the open hole.

"I've got some plays for me in the playbook and I hope I can execute some of them on Sunday," Warren said. "I'll get a lot of action on Sunday."

For his career, Warren rushed for 6,706 yards and scored 44 touchdowns for Seattle. He also caught 194 passes for 1,342 yards and three touchdowns.

Warren has a lot of potential.

Now the coaches are waiting for him to produce.