Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 27, 1994 TAG: 9409270088
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KNIGHT-RIDDER/TRIBUNE
DATELINE: MINNEAPOLIS LENGTH: Medium
Terry Kirby trudged up the steep incline that leads out of the Metrodome, his unfamiliarity with the crutches he will use for the next few weeks hampering his progress.
As he fought to walk to the Miami Dolphins' team bus, Kirby left in his wake the most serious injury the NFL team has suffered this season and a running game that has an uncertain future.
The former University of Virginia star tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the first half of Sunday's 38-35 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and will require reconstructive knee surgery. He will miss the remainder of the season.
``All I can say about this is that it's already behind me and I will come back stronger and better than before,'' Kirby said.
Don Shula, the Dolphins' coach, will have to find a replacement for the starting running back. Miami took a step in that direction Monday when it re-signed running back Aaron Craver.
The Dolphins are presented with an interesting problem because the team has been unwilling to use Mark Higgs this season. With Kirby out, and the Dolphins trailing 28-6 on Sunday, Shula opted to go with Bernie Parmalee.
``I don't know what the team's plans are right now,'' said Higgs, who has been Miami's rushing leader the past three seasons. ``I only got in on one play today and I blocked on that play.''
The injury to Kirby also may mean added carries for Keith Byars. The fullback, who had eight carries entering Sunday's game, ran three times for 14 yards against the Vikings.
``This injury is going to really hurt,'' said tackle Ron Heller. ``Terry's the guy we've gone to when we've needed yardage.''
Kirby was the team rushing leader with 233 yards. Irving Spikes, who is second with 75 yards, also is injured. Spikes, who was inactive for the second consecutive week Sunday, sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee against Green Bay on Sept.11.
Spikes didn't need surgery, but his injury takes four to six weeks to heal. Spikes said Sunday he would like to make an early return.
``I don't think I could play next week, but I never rule anything out,'' Spikes said. ``If I can go, I will try and play. We'll see this week.''
The Dolphins don't expect Spikes to go at least until the Oct.9 game against the Buffalo Bills.
Kirby's injury is especially frustrating because it came on a two-point conversion that failed. Kirby took a handoff and ran behind center Jeff Dellenbach and left guard Keith Sims. He was stopped at the 1-yard line and was twisted back.
As the top of the pile pushed Kirby's torso back, his right leg was caught beneath the crush.
``I wasn't worried about myself when it happened,'' Kirby said. ``I was upset that I didn't get in the end zone.''
It is likely the injury will bring Higgs out of mothballs. He was inactive the first two weeks of the regular season and has carried three times for 5 yards in the past two games.
``I just want to do whatever I can to take up the slack for Terry,'' Higgs said. ``I hate to see this injury happen. But I think I can still do the job for this team. I just need a chance to prove it.''
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