THE SIDELINES : Aikman Hopes to Avoid Surgery

IRVING, Tex. — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman says don’t write him off just yet. His separated right shoulder feels much better, and he wants a second opinion about surgery.

Coach Jimmy Johnson, however, still expects to place Aikman on injured reserve Friday.

Aikman, who was hurt in Sunday’s loss at Philadelphia, put off a decision Wednesday regarding surgery because he said the pain and swelling in the shoulder had subsided and its mobility had increased. Aikman wants to get more medical opinions and be certain there are not other alternatives before agreeing to surgery.