Emmitt Smith's Shoulder Injury Raises Concerns for the Cowboys' Super Bowl Chances

Strategic Insights -

Despite his assertions that his injured shoulder is only a minor concern, Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith is candid about the fact that its condition will impact his decision to play in next week's NFL Pro Bowl. Smith, who led the league in rushing for the past three seasons, suffered a shoulder separation in the Cowboys' regular-season finale against the New York Giants. The injury was initially not evident, but it became more apparent a couple of weeks later when Smith handled the ball only 15 times in a game against Green Bay.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emmitt Smith's injured shoulder may impact his decision to play in the upcoming NFL Pro Bowl.
  • The shoulder separation occurred in the Cowboys' regular-season finale against the New York Giants, and its full extent was not immediately apparent.
  • Smith has led the league in rushing for the past three seasons, despite suffering a four-game holdout at the beginning of the season.
  • The Cowboys' coach, Jimmy Johnson, agrees that Smith's presence on the field makes a significant difference in the team's performance.
  • Smith's contract, which he signed after a holdout, was worth $13.6 million over four years, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league at the time.
  • The Cowboys' biggest advantage in the upcoming Super Bowl will be the presence of Emmitt Smith, who is considered the key to their successful passing game.
  • Smith's shoulder will be re-evaluated by doctors after the season to determine if surgery is necessary, with a potential four-month trial period to allow it to heal.

Statistics:

  • 1,486 yards: Emmitt Smith's total rushing yards this past season, despite being a holdout for the first two games.
  • 13.6 million: The value of Smith's contract over four years.
  • Three seasons: The duration of Smith's consecutive league lead in rushing.
  • 46 yards: The length of the run during which Smith suffered the shoulder separation.
  • 23 carries: The number of carries Smith made last Sunday in the NFC Championship game.
  • 2 touchdowns: The number of touchdowns Smith scored last Sunday, including one rushing and one receiving.

Sources:

  • [Associated Press, January 23, 1993]
  • [USA Today, January 22, 1993]