Vikings Receive Word From Chiefs
After spending several weeks searching for someone to replace Terry Allen’s 1,679 total yards and 15 touchdowns, the Minnesota Vikings acquired Barry Word from the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
Word, the Chiefs’ leading rusher the last three seasons with 2,439 yards, replaces Allen, who is sidelined for the season because of a knee injury. Because of a lengthy holdout this summer, Word will not be eligible for the Vikings’ season opener Sunday against the Raiders.
“Barry is big, good back who will fit right in our mix,” said Viking Coach Dennis Green. “I think he has felt that recently, with several running backs down there, he wasn’t given much of a chance. Here, he will have a chance.”
Word, a 245-pound fullback, gained 1,105 yards as recently as 1990, but only 607 yards last season as the Chiefs drifted away from their big-back attack.
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