Charger Notebook : Redden Says if He Sits, He Won’t Do It Quietly

A year ago, running back Barry Redden--revitalized by a trade from the Rams to the Chargers--was full of optimism as he looked to the future.

Now, with a season of frustration behind him, Redden is unhappy and uncertain.

Redden said Thursday at the Chargers’ training camp at UC San Diego that he is angry about the way he was treated in 1987 and will create problems if he does not play more this year.

Playing behind Tim Spencer and Curtis Adams last season, Redden had just 11 carries for 36 yards and caught 7 passes for 46.

“I’m not in a position to sit on the bench another year,” a subdued Redden said. “And I won’t sit quietly.

“I guess you could say I’m a little (ticked) off. Ever since I’ve been in the league, someone has had a foot on my neck.”

Redden, who turned 28 Thursday, was the first-round draft choice of the Rams in 1982 out of Richmond. In five years playing behind Eric Dickerson, he gained 1,490 yards and showed the potential to excel if given the chance.

He thought he would have the chance last year after he came to San Diego in exchange for running back Buford McGee and a second-round choice in the 1988 draft.

But in a protracted training-camp battle, Redden lost to Spencer in a bid to start at halfback. In preseason games, Redden gained 51 yards on 28 carries. Spencer, with one fewer carry, gained 91 yards.

“The bottom line was, Tim Spencer outperformed Barry Redden in a practice environment and a preseason game environment,” Coach Al Saunders said. “The performance was clear to everyone on the staff.”

Saunders said coaches thought Redden lacked breakaway speed. Redden, who is 5-feet 10-inches tall and weighs 220 pounds, says he has speed but was unable to show it behind an offensive line built for pass protection rather than run blocking.

With Charger veterans due to report today and begin practicing Saturday, Saunders said Redden will be given the chance to prove he can be a dominating NFL runner. If he can’t, Saunders said he would hope to trade Redden rather than put up with any disruptions.

“If Barry doesn’t develop in the way we think he will make a contribution to this team, I think we would be the first to give him the opportunity to move on,” Saunders said. “The burden of proof is on his shoulders. This is a guy who has to show that he can get it done here.”

But Redden for now will be slowed in any attempts to prove anything. He arrived at camp Tuesday with a pulled right hamstring. He said he suffered the injury while working out last Thursday at his home in Sarasota, Fla.

Saunders said Charger trainers have examined Redden and believe he will miss 7 to 10 days.

“I’ve never pulled a hamstring before,” Redden said. “Over the last three days, I think I’ve made dramatic improvement. It’s not that severe. I don’t foresee being out too long.”

Charger Notes

Steve Ortmayer, the Chargers’ director of football operations, didn’t report any progress on the team’s eight veteran free agents. Coach Al Saunders said several players--”just how many I don’t know right now”--will be cut this morning. . . . The entire team is scheduled to gather for the first time at 4 p.m. for the annual media picture day. . . . After reviewing film of Wednesday’s scrimmage in Fullerton with the Rams, Saunders praised several players: linebackers Cedric Figaro and Chuck Faucette, defensive back Pat Miller, center Dan Rosado, guard Duane Pettitt and running back Lynn Williams.