Cowboys’ Smith Says He’s Ready

Injured Dallas Cowboy running back Emmitt Smith threw away his neck brace Wednesday and declared himself ready for the New York Giants.

“I honestly feel like I can go,” Smith said. “I’m still sore, but I think I’ll be OK.”

It was less than 48 hours earlier that Smith fell on his head and shoulder trying to carry out a play fake in a 22-6 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Smith, who gained 70 yards before hurting himself late in Monday’s game, said the fact the Cowboys played so poorly didn’t help his mood.

“We had a big breakdown,” said Smith, who has missed only one game in his career. “That’s why I want to be in there Sunday and help the team. We need to erase a bad memory.”

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Jamal Anderson, one of the few bright spots for the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener, will start at running back Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in place of ailing Craig Heyward (sprained left shoulder).

In a move to bolster the backfield further, the Falcons re-signed Lincoln Coleman and cut offensive lineman Nate Miller, who cleared waivers and was expected to be re-signed to the practice squad.

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Defensive end Chris Doleman of the San Francisco 49ers missed practice and the team listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams.

Doleman has been hampered by a strained muscle behind his left knee.

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Minnesota Viking quarterback Warren Moon remains questionable for Sunday’s game at Atlanta, although he said his foot and ankle injuries are healing well.

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The Chicago Bears filled a void at tight end by signing Bobby Neely off the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad to back up Ryan Wetnight.