Holmes Headed To Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers, looking to add depth to a depleted backfield, Tuesday acquired running back Darick Holmes from the Buffalo Bills for an undisclosed 1999 draft pick.

Holmes will back up Raymont Harris, who has rushed for 158 yards the last two weeks since replacing the injured Dorsey Levens. Harris has been Green Bay's main running threat since Levens broke a bone in his right leg against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 13.

Levens, who signed a five-year deal worth $25 million just days before the start of the season, was used extensively in Green Bay's first two games, rushing for 102 yards on 42 carries and catching 15 passes for 84 yards. He was second in the NFC last season with 1,435 rushing yards and also had 53 receptions to earn Pro Bowl honors for the first time.

Although the Packers are off to their first 4-0 start since 1966, they have struggled to generate a running attack, ranking last in the NFC and 29th in the NFL. Green Bay is averaging just 76.8 yards per game on the ground.

Fullback Michael Blair was placed on waivers to make room for Holmes on the Packers' 53-man roster. Blair had only two carries for three yards this season.

The 27-year-old Holmes saw limited action in Buffalo behind Antowain Smith and Thurman Thomas, but did experience some success. A second round pick in 1995, Holmes rushed for 1,385 yards and 10 touchdowns in 48 career games with the Bills. He also had 54 receptions for 431 yards and one TD.

In addition to trading Holmes, the Bills released kicker Cole Ford, who was inactive the last two games. Ford, claimed off waivers by the Bills on Aug. 26 after being released by the Oakland Raiders, was used for kickoffs in Buffalo's season opener at San Diego.

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