Allen Is Out, Evans Waived, McElroy Back

For Vince Evans, the other shoe dropped Saturday.

Already relegated to the No. 3 spot among the team’s quarterbacks with the arrival of Jay Schroeder, Evans was placed on waivers Saturday by the Raiders.

It was also disclosed that running back Marcus Allen is not going to play today against the Miami Dolphins. Allen has a cast on his left arm after breaking a wrist bone last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. He practiced during the week, and talked about taking his regular spot in the backfield, but that will not happen.

Releasing Evans enabled the Raiders to activate defensive back Vann McElroy, who has been sidelined since opening day with knee problems. Raider Coach Mike Shanahan does not plan to start McElroy but will use him in substitute situations.

For Evans, the former USC star, it could be the final stop in a decade-long, roller-coaster ride through pro football, a ride that has had more spills than thrills.

Evans, 33, had been with the Chicago Bears and both Chicago and Denver in the United States Football League before signing with the Raiders early last season during the NFL strike.

He started all 3 replacement games but never again made a regular-season appearance for the Raiders. The knock on him was his inconsistency.

Steve Beuerlein won the starting job in training camp, knocking Evans down to the second rung on the ladder.

The arrival of Schroeder has knocked him out altogether.

In another move Saturday, the Raiders put tight end Todd Christensen, who has a tear above the knee, on the inactive list. The Raiders considered placing Christensen on the injured reserve list when it looked as if he would be out for a month. But when it became apparent that would not be necessary, Evans became expendable.

The news isn’t all bad. Offensive tackle Don Mosebar and center Bill Lewis, both out with sprained ankles, return to action today.