Terry Allen, a 31-year-old running back with knee problems of his own, was signed Friday by the New England Patriots in an attempt to fill the void left by Robert Edwards' career-threatening knee injury.
Allen gained 700 yards in 10 games for the Redskins last year, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round out of Clemson in 1990, Allen missed his entire rookie season after knee surgery. He also missed the 1993 season with a knee injury.
Allen said he expects one of his roles on the team will be to help teach rookie running back Kevin Faulk.
Edwards ran for 1,115 yards during his rookie season last year, but he severely injured his knee during a flag football game at the Pro Bowl in February. He will miss the entire 1999 season because of the injury, which doctors have said could end his career.
SEAHAWKS: Wide receiver Joey Galloway will not accept what the team has called its final contract offer, according to his agent.
"They gave us a Friday deadline to accept the offer, and we're not going to accept it," agent Eric Metz said. "It's up to them now whether or not they want to offer another deal."
Seahawks spokesman Dave Pearson had no comment on Galloway rejecting the offer but said the team would not give him another offer sheet.
Galloway missed all of training camp as he sought to renegotiate and extend a contract he signed in 1995. He led the Seahawks last season with 65 receptions for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Seahawks are offering Galloway a seven-year $35 million deal with a $7 million signing bonus. Galloway wants a five-year, $24 million contract, with a $9 million signing bonus.
Coach Mike Holmgren, who also serves as general manager, said Thursday the Seahawks would survive without Galloway.
VIKINGS: Backup quarterback Jeff George escaped serious injury after twisting his left knee in a pileup in Thursday night's exhibition game against Philadelphia.
George, who was injured with 11 minutes left in the game, also hurt his left knee early in training camp when John Randle accidentally rolled into him during a passing drill.
George has been Minnesota's most effective passer so far after signing a one-year $400,000 contract to revive his 10-year NFL career as Randall Cunningham's primary backup.
EXHIBITION
Titans 17, Falcons 3: At Nashville, Tenn., the NFL's nomads finally found a home Friday night.
The Tennessee Titans, who played in three different stadiums the past three seasons before the league's worst crowds, debuted at Adelphia Coliseum before the largest crowd in franchise history. They responded with a 17-3 exhibition victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
"Oh, man, I feel like we were playing in the Super Bowl," Titans safety Blaine Bishop said. "The fan support is unbelievable. The place is rowdy, and it is making all the difference in the world."
Eddie George scored a 1-yard touchdown and the defense forced five turnovers as the Titans (1-2) fed off the presence of 65,729 fans.
Tennessee Titans fans watch as the Titans receive the kickoff in their first home game, against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, Aug. 27, 1999, in Nashville, Tenn. The new stadium is the team's fourth home in four seasons since moving from Houston. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)