T. Bowens might retire

Miami Herald

Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens is pondering retirement, while the club is studying how and when to break ties with its longest standing veteran.

Bowens, 32, who has played 12 seasons for Miami and is the only player remaining from the Don Shula era, got bad news last week when he visited a specialist and was told he has made no progress in recovering from the back ailment that forced him to miss all but two games last season.

The doctor also told Bowens nothing could be done to cure the problem, short of hoping time would do the trick. A source close to Bowens said Sunday that the player is frustrated with his condition to the point where retirement is now a serious consideration.

Bowens could not be reached for comment. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not return calls.

Bowens has been unable to participate in any of Miami's offseason training sessions, and the injury is so serious he can't even stand on the field for extended periods of time, according to the source.

The Dolphins have made it no secret that the defensive tackle spot Bowens is supposed to occupy is a concern because of Bowens' and Larry Chester's health issues.

Chester is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery but said earlier this month that he would participate in training camp.

''Those are really the only guys we have who are defensive tackles,'' coach Nick Saban said.

``You really need both, and if we had everyone healthy, we would have what we need. But that's not the case.''

怪我で引退の可能性が大のようです。
非常に残念です。