While the Kansas City Chiefs disputed a report by KSHB TV in Kansas City that claimed Priest Holmes may retire this week, one thing is for sure—Holmes will not be back in 2005. He was placed on the injured reserve list yesterday, due to a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Chargers almost two weeks ago.

Holmes has been looked at by spinal injury specialists in both California and Florida. Chiefs President and General Manager Carl Peterson said the injury was not career-ending, though it will bring Holmes 2005 campaign to a close. In seven games this season, Holmes rushed for 451 yards and six touchdowns.

This will mark the third season in the last four that an injury has forced Holmes to end the season early.