Harper: I'll Play Vs. Niners
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Alvin Harper plans to play Sunday against
the San Francisco 49ers even if the injured Dallas Cowboys wide
receiver is less than 100 percent.
``My knee is feeling much better,'' Harper said on Wednesday
after he tested his left knee ligament strain by riding a
stationary bike. ``I'll be in uniform and on the field Sunday
during the warmups.''
Harper's hard week took another twist after he left practice
Wednesday. He borrowed Michael Irvin's Mercedes Benz and was in a
parking lot when he said another vehicle crashed into the car he
was driving. The Cowboys said Harper banged his ribs but was OK.
Before the mishap, Harper vowed he was ready for the 49ers.
``I'm going to play Sunday regardless of what the doctors say,''
he said. ``I was hurt worse against Minnesota last year. My knee
didn't swell up as much this time. There is more flexibility.''
Harper has caught six touchdown passes, a career-high for him
during the regular season. He got hurt in the 38-10 victory over
the New York Giants when he twisted the knee trying to catch a
pass.
``I'm probably 45 percent and if I can get to 50 percent I'll
scare most opponents,'' Harper said. ``I can at least take some
pressure off Irvin.''
Harper, who wore a tight wrap around his knee on Tuesday, has
averaged 29 yards per catch against the 49ers in the last three
games.
In the past, Harper said the 49ers have rolled their coverage to
double Irvin.
``They challenged me man to man and when they do that we can eat
'em up,'' Harper said.
``This is one of those games you don't want to miss,'' Harper
said. ``Number 80 (Harper) has to be in there. I can't leave my
partner in crime (Irvin) alone.''
Harper said he feared a torn ligament when he fell in a tangle
on a Hail Mary pass from Troy Aikman to end the first half.
``It scared me half to death,'' Harper said. ``I was kind of in
shock there for a minute. ''
Kevin Williams will replace Harper if he can't play against the
49ers. Rookies Cory Fleming and Willie Frazier are competing for a
backup spot.
``Kevin would do a great job,'' Harper said. ``He's a tough
cookie. But nobody has to worry. I'll be in there.''