@SherryKinzler ...
You absolutely can add an attached Word document in your assignment instructions. That is not related at all to rubrics. When you need to add a rubric to an assignment, you don't do that while in the "Edit" screen of the assignment. For example, if you were to create a brand new assignment on your "Assignments" index page, the first screen you would see is where you can add the assignment name, enter in the instructions for students, add other details such as points, submission attempts, and due dates. Once you "Save" the assignment, you'll see something like this:

Click on the "+ Rubric" button to add a new rubric to your course...or to find an existing rubric that you've already created. More information for you can be found in this Guide:
How do I add a rubric to an assignment?
I hope this helps to clarify how you can add a rubric to assignments in your course. Sing out if you have any other questions about this...thanks!
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