Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 31, 1993 TAG: 9308310244
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Knight-Ridder/Tribune, Newport News Daily Press and Associated
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
So the Chiefs, whose new-look offense features Joe Montana directing a short-passing attack, sent Word to Minnesota on Monday for a 1994 fifth-round draft pick.
"I was just never convinced that you could be business as usual losing a player the quality of Terry Allen," Vikings coach Dennis Green said.
The Vikings were down to three backs: 33-year-old Roger Craig, who was used as a spot player last year to complement 1,201-yard-rusher Allen; Robert Smith, the team's top draft choice in April, and Charles Evans, a 1992 draftee who missed all last season on injured reserve.
"We have a guy with speed outside like Robert Smith. We've got Roger, a great warrior who's been around for a long time. And Charles Evans, who can play halfback or fullback," Green said. "The one thing we didn't have, that we probably need to make up for Terry, is a guy who can wear a defense down early in the game and late in the game.
"We really feel Barry Word fits in with us."
The Chiefs obviously didn't feel that way. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Word battled Christian Okoye, another huge back who was successful in Kansas City's old power-running attack, for playing time most of the 1990s.
Harvey Williams, the Chiefs' top draft choice in 1991, was added to the mix. And when Marcus Allen signed as a free agent in June to catch Montana's swing passes, the backfield simply got too crowded.
Word, 29, contributed greatly to the Chiefs in 1990, gaining 1,015 yards, but he created ill will with a long holdout the next season. He held out again this preseason - signing so late that the Vikings won't be able to use him in Sunday's opener against the Los Angeles Raiders.
In three seasons for Kansas City, Word rushed for 2,306 yards. Including parts of two seasons with New Orleans, he has 2,439 career yards.
Word has only 21 career receptions and probably won't be used in passing situations by the Vikings. Craig, once one of the league's top pass-catching backs, probably will handle that role.
Craig was one of 14 players Minnesota cut Monday. But while Green wouldn't say the 11th-year veteran definitely would be re-signed Tuesday, the coach made several references to Craig playing against the Raiders.
The Chiefs made another trade Monday, sending tackle Rich Baldinger to the New England Patriots for a 1994 draft choice.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB