Redskins Release Terry Allen

April 19, 1999 / 7:37 PM EDT / AP

Terry Allen, who holds Washington's single-season rushing record, was released Monday by the Redskins.

The move had been long expected. After his 1,353-yard season three years ago, the 31-year-old Allen was sidelined several times with injuries. He missed six games last year with a sprained ankle, although he still led the team in rushing with 700 yards on 148 carries.

In addition, the development of young backs Stephen Davis and Skip Hicks made him expendable. By cutting him, the Redskins are spared from paying the last two years of the four-year, $14.8-million contract Allen signed after his record-breaking season.

Allen's release is part of an overall youth movement pursued by the Redskins this off-season. On Saturday, they released 33-year-old cornerback Cris Dishman. Linebacker Marvcus Patton and safety Stanley Richard have been allowed to leave through free agency.

The Redskins signed running back Leroy Collins, an undrafted free agent from Louisville. He is the first of several players not selected in the weekend's NFL draft whom the Redskins will sign this week before the start of spring minicamp Friday.