Harbaugh Fires Back at Wannstedt

Indianapolis quarterback Jim Harbaugh fired back at Dave Wannstedt after learning the Chicago coach criticized two other former Bears who now play for the Colts, Troy Auzenne and Jay Leeuwenburg. Wannstedt said the Bears didn’t want Auzenne back and that Leeuwenburg graded out as the team’s worst lineman in 1995.

“I have a feeling he is a coach who has a lack of respect for his players,” Harbaugh told The Indianapolis Star. “It’s just not right. . . . Those guys laid it on the line for Wannstedt. They played for him and fought for him and sacrificed for him. . . . I told Troy and Jay, ‘Don’t worry about it because Dave Wannstedt has proven he isn’t the best judge of talent.’ ”

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Miami Coach Jimmy Johnson said the Dolphins are close to trading running back Terry Kirby to the San Francisco 49ers. “I think this will take place. I anticipate this getting done,” Johnson said.

The Dolphins are overloaded with running backs, including rookie Karim Abdul-Jabbar from UCLA.

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Minnesota Viking linebacker Ed McDaniel, the NFL leader in tackles for losses last season with 19 1/2, will miss the season because of a knee injury that requires reconstructive surgery. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee July 23, the second day of training camp.

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The Detroit Lions are close to reaching a deal with Detroit to return to the city in a stadium that would be built next to the planned new stadium for the Tigers, according to today’s Detroit News. The Lions have played in the Pontiac Silverdome since 1975. The current contract with the Silverdome expires in 2004.