Chiefs offensive lineman Will Shields isn’t shining any light on whether he will return for his 15 th season in the NFL.

Shields will be 36 in September, and has endured arthritis in his knees and back, as well as a handful of other ailments. Through it all, Shields has still managed to start in 223 straight games and trails only Brett Favre for the longest active starting streak in the NFL.

Retiring was a thought for Shields last year, but he decided to return after being coaxed by former Chiefs tackle Willie Roaf with visions of winning a Super Bowl. Coincidentally, Roaf retired right before training camp last year because of hamstring and knee problems.

Shields signed a four-year extension with the last March, which allows him to finish his career with the Chiefs. His new contract also allows him to retire anytime after the 2006 season without having to pay back parts of his bonus.

The veteran offensive guard is expected to meet with coach Herm Edwards within a few weeks, and could make a decision sometime this month.