Allen Lands in New England

The New England Patriots, looking to add punch to their running game, signed veteran Terry Allen on Friday.

Allen, 31, gained 700 yards in 10 games for the Washington Redskins last year, averaging 4.7 yards a carry. He has rushed for 6,881 yards in his career.

The Patriots have been searching for a replacement for injured Robert Edwards, who ran for 1,115 yards last season as a rookie. Edwards injured a knee during a flag football game at the Pro Bowl in February. He will miss the 1999 season because of the injury, which doctors said could end his career.

Allen also has a history of knee problems. After being drafted by Minnesota in 1990, Allen missed his rookie season after knee surgery. He also missed the 1993 season because of a knee injury.

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Green Bay tight end Mark Chmura, who has a bulging cervical disk in his neck and temporarily lost feeling in his upper body when he was hit during a practice this month, says he has no plans to retire.

Chmura’s wife, Lynda, and his agent, Eric Metz, have suggested the eight-year NFL veteran call it a career.

“Believe me, if the doctors said I should retire, then I would,” Chmura said. “But everything I hear is great, so I’m continuing.”

Metz has represented former Detroit Lion offensive lineman Mike Utley, who was paralyzed in a 1991 game and uses a wheelchair.

“These guys love to play,” Metz said. “I guarantee you, if Mike Utley could get out of his wheelchair, the first thing he’d do is run to the football field.”

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The Tennessee Titans made their debut at Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville and defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 17-3, in an exhibition game. Atlanta quarterback Chris Chandler injured a hamstring during warmups and did not play. . . . Minnesota Viking backup quarterback Jeff George, who twisted a knee during Thursday night’s exhibition game against Philadelphia, escaped serious injury and should return to practice Monday. . . . Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez, who was injured in Thursday night’s exhibition game against Jacksonville, has a sprained ligament in his right knee but could be ready for the team’s opener.

Holdout Seattle receiver Joey Galloway rejected the Seahawks’ offer of 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. . . . The Miami Dolphins released fullback Roosevelt Potts. . . . An MRI revealed that New York Giant left guard Lance Scott has a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Scott will spend the next four to six weeks trying to rehabilitate the knee.