PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Emmitt Smith Heals Quickly, to Start

Emmitt Smith’s hamstring has healed enough that he will start at running back for the Dallas Cowboys against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

The three-time NFL rushing champion suffered the injury during the first half of the Cowboys’ 34-7 victory over Washington last Sunday.

Coach Barry Switzer said Friday that Smith would start against the Cardinals, and that pleased Arizona linebacker Seth Joyner.

“I want him to play, and I want him to play and be at full strength, because when we win the game it’s going to be like, ‘Oh, you guys won, but Emmitt was at half speed,”’ Joyner said. “I don’t want to hear any of that. I want him to be hitting on all cylinders.”

Smith had said earlier in the week that’s what he wants.

“I’m going to have to run at full speed or I’m not going to give it a try,” he said. “I have to have my wheels in good shape for me to play.”

The Cowboys also said that rookie Larry Allen will start at left tackle in place of Mark Tuinei, who has a bad back.

Smith’s rapid progress means the Cowboys won’t have to start Lincoln Coleman, who gained 74 yards in 22 carries against the Redskins.

Twice Switzer has lost players he was about to sign to fill in for Smith. Earlier this week, the Cowboys were preparing to announce the signing of Cleveland Gary when Gary disappeared, only to sign in Miami a few hours later. Earlier this season, William Bell slipped through the Cowboys’ hands in a similar scenario.