Stanford coach David Shaw announced Tuesday that running back E.J. Smith, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, is out for the year with an undisclosed injury.
Smith was injured Sept. 10 when the Cardinal lost to Southern California. He sat out the following week’s loss to Washington. Until recently, the junior was expected only to miss 1-2 weeks.
“I don’t think there’s an option for him to continue (this season),” Shaw told reporters. “He’s got to get his body taken care of. Trust me, he wishes it was not this way.
“He told me last week, ‘Coach, I can’t wait to play against Oregon. I’m going to be there for you. I need to get back in there.’ But the doctors are right and it’s wise for him — both now and for his future — to get this taken care of and come back in (2023) bigger, faster, stronger.”
Smith had gained 206 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns on 30 carries over Stanford’s first two games. He also had caught eight passes for 63 yards and a score.
His father, the longtime Dallas Cowboys running back, is best known as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, having gained 18,355 yards in 15 seasons.
–Field Level Media