ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608290072
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: NFL NOTES
SOURCE: FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS
His big grin said everything.
Emmitt Smith believes he'll be on the playing field Monday night when the Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys open against the Chicago Bears.
``I feel very good about my chances Monday night,'' Smith said on Wednesday. ``I'll know for sure in the next couple of days, but I believe I will be able to play. I think they are going to give me the ball as long as I can stand up.''
Since Smith suffered a strained left knee ligament Aug. 17 in the second quarter of a preseason game against Denver, Cowboys coaches have hoped he would rebound like he always does from injury.
``He's a tough son-of-a-gun,'' running backs coach Joe Brodsky said. ``We always expect him to heal fast. But you always wonder if this is the one time he won't be able to play.''
Last year, Smith dashed 60 yards for a touchdown on the third play of the opening game on Monday Night Football, and the Cowboys beat the New York Giants 35-0. Smith finished with four touchdowns and 163 yards on 21 carries.
``It was a great way to start the season,'' Smith said. ``I hope I'm ready to do that again. ''
Asked on a telephone hookup if he thought Smith would play, Bears coach Dave Wannstedt laughed.
``That's a gimme,'' Wannstedt said.
BILLS: Former Virginia Tech star Bruce Smith decided to continue playing this season, two days after he threatened to walk out on Buffalo because of slow contract talks.
The defensive end spoke with his agent, Leigh Steinberg, Bills coach Marv Levy and several teammates before making his decision. He hinted Monday that he might skip practice or the season opener against the New York Giants.
Smith said he did not want his problems to stand in the way of Buffalo's chances to win a Super Bowl. He also wanted to have clear thoughts going into the season and to reach personal goals.
Smith has been angry because his $2.2 million base salary is 19th highest among defensive players in the league. He restructured his deal last season and took a $600,000 pay cut in exchange for receiving a $2.3 million signing bonus. His current contract runs through next season.
DOLPHINS: Miami signed former Virginia tight end Bobby Neely to its practice squad.
COLTS: Indianapolis signed former James Madison quarterback Mike Cawley to its practice squad on Tuesday.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines KEYWORDS: FOOTBALLby CNB