Report: Chiefs RB Holmes contemplating retirement
Priest Holmes' comeback to the NFL might have ended after only four games.
FOXSports.com is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs' all-time leading rusher suffered another neck injury Sunday in Indianapolis, and NFL.com is reporting that Holmes could announce his retirement Wednesday.
One source familiar with Holmes' situation told NFL.com on Tuesday night: "He is retiring for sure. Noon press conference on Wednesday."
A Chiefs spokesman said Holmes is still weighing his options.
Holmes returned to the NFL on Oct. 28 after an absence of two years. He suffered neck and spinal injuries Oct. 30, 2005, after getting tackled by San Diego's Shawne Merriman. Holmes rejoined the team in training camp this year and went on the PUP list while working his way back into game shape.
Holmes made little impact in his first two games this season against Oakland and Green Bay, then took over as the featured starting running back after Larry Johnson suffered a foot injury. Holmes gained 65 yards on 20 carries against Denver on Nov. 11, and had 55 yards on 19 carries against Indianapolis.
Holmes began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens (1997-2000) before joining Kansas City. He reached the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons with the Chiefs, including the 2003 season, in which he set a since-broken NFL single-season record with 27 touchdowns (all rushing). In 2004, after scoring 15 touchdowns in the first half of the season, he missed the second half with a strained MCL in his right knee.
Holmes' departure could leave the Chiefs in a bind. The severity of Johnson's injury isn't known, and former backup running back Michael Bennett was traded to Tampa Bay on Oct. 16. Kansas City's starter against Oakland on Sunday could be rookie Kolby Smith, who was selected in Round 5 of the 2007 NFL Draft and has 19 yards on 10 carries. Fullback Kris Wilson has only one carry for 5 yards this season.
Holmes, 34, has rushed for 8,172 yards in his 11-year career, including 6,070 with Kansas City. Sixty-two of his 86 career rushing touchdowns came in a 38-game span from 2002-04.
