PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AFC : Slaughter Rejoins Schottenheimer

The Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their receiving corps by signing Webster Slaughter, who turned down a richer offer to play for former coach Marty Schottenheimer.

Slaughter, 30, signed a three-year contract, the financial terms of which were not announced.

Slaughter played for Schottenheimer in Cleveland from his first season in 1986 until Schottenheimer left for Kansas City in 1989.

“The main attraction is a good team--a team I think can win the AFC--and Coach Schottenheimer,” said Slaughter, adding that he rejected an offer for more money from Green Bay.

“I know what he’s all about. He’s always won, and I wanted to come in and have a chance to win as well.”

He was released by the Oilers before the opening of training camp this year for what Slaughter said were salary-cap considerations.

Slaughter had the best year of his career in 1989 at Cleveland when he caught 65 passes for 1,236 yards. He signed with Houston in 1992 and caught 68 passes last year.

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Former Raider assistant Tom Walsh, responding to a story in Wednesday’s Times, said he and Art Shell always had a good relationship, both on and off the field.

In the story, Shell referred to assistant coaches who were “back-stabbers.” Shell didn’t mention anyone by name, but it was reported that Walsh and Shell weren’t communicating by the end of the season.

“I’ve spoken with Art on numerous occasions since the end of the season as well as during the season,” Walsh told the Associated Press. “Our relationship has always been open and honest. I’ve known Art since his playing days in Oakland.

“There are several situations that occurred during the 1994 season that I believe were totally blown out of proportion by the media. Also, some members of the [Raider] organization fanned the flames due to their own agendas.”

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The Browns’ quarterback depth chart grew shorter as starter Vinny Testaverde remained hospitalized for an allergic reaction.

Neither the team nor the Cleveland Clinic, where Testaverde was taken Tuesday night, would comment on his condition Wednesday. The Browns issued a brief statement saying the reaction was caused by “either medication he was given to treat his [lower leg] infection or something he ate.”

Eric Zeier, the rookie from Georgia who looked impressive in Sunday’s 19-13 exhibition loss to the New York Giants, has been named the starter for Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears.

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The San Diego Chargers got back some of their walking wounded, including three starters whose absence was notable in an exhibition loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Linebacker Junior Seau (hamstring), defensive end Leslie O’Neal (calf) and center Courtney Hall (arm) all practiced, as did safety Shaun Gayle (triceps).