He's missed two games, played only a half in another and ran one time for one yard in a fourth before he was injured. Yet, Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys just might win a third consecutive NFL rushing title.
Smith trails Jerome Bettis of the Los Angeles Rams by 62 yards with two games to play."I'm still alive," said Smith with a wry smile. "Don't count me out yet."
Smith won a much-publicized contract holdout when owner Jerry Jones capitulated after the first two games of the Cowboys' season. Dallas lost to Washington and Buffalo without Smith.
When Smith returned, he played only one half against Phoenix. In the Atlanta game, he carried only one time before he was injured.
"I've got to be happy where I am considering the way the season has gone," said Smith.
Smith has benefited from injuries to Detroit's Barry Sanders and Pittsburgh's Barry Foster.
Buffalo's Thurman Thomas, who has been bothered by injuries, still has a chance at the title.
Bettis has 1,227 yards, Smith 1,165 yards, and Thomas 1,144 yards.
Smith was looking around for Christmas present ideas for his offensive linemen this week at Valley Ranch.
"Let's see, I've given 'em watches, trips, paintings and champagne," Smith said. "What else can I get 'em?"
Offensive tackle Erik Williams mentioned luxury automobiles.
"Yeah, maybe some baby SL's or Mercedes or something," Smith said.
Someone mentioned giving autographed pictures.
"If I did that, I'd have to run and duck," Smith laughed.
Smith said he hopes he wins the rushing title but admits there are larger goals, such as winning another Super Bowl.
"I can't control what Bettis is going to do so I'm not going to worry about it," Smith said. "I'll do my best, and I'm sure he'll do a great job and I wish him all the luck.
"I'm behind but I'm not conceding anything. I think I'm capable of catching him."
Dallas coach Jimmy Johnson thinks so, saying Smith is one of the most unique players in the NFL.
"He has great leg strength and breaks tackles," Johnson said. "You don't realize how many hands and arms he runs through. You see him make very subtle cuts running north and south. A lot of running backs try to use a whole bunch of moves, but when they make them, they are running sideways instead of upfield. That allows defensive players to catch up with the play.
"You see some big hits where guys get tackles from behind and get hurt," he said. "Emmitt doesn't go sideways very often. He's always heading for the goal line."