Never before had Emmitt Smith suffered a knockout blow. Not in Pop Warner football, high school, college or 11 years with the Dallas Cowboys. Not until Thanksgiving Day, when he was knocked unconscious with a concussion early on his second carry of the third quarter against Minnesota.
Some people call it a concussion.
This is the first time I've ever been knocked out of a game, completely knocked out of a game. Smith didn't practice Monday, but ran some sprints and expects to go through a full practice when the Cowboys return to the field Wednesday. He said there is no doubt that he will be in the lineup Sunday at Tampa. Smith, who has missed only three games in his career because of injury, and coach Dave Campo said that the running back was held out of practice for precautionary reasons. Emmitt should be fine.