Holmes Out for the Season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes will miss the rest of the season because of head and neck trauma diagnosed by three experts on spinal injuries.
A helmet-to-helmet blow he absorbed on Oct. 30 against San Diego was the most recent problem for the 32-year-old running back. But coach Dick Vermeil said Wednesday signs of trouble first showed up when Holmes developed tingling in his hands during training camp.
Holmes, 32, a three-time Pro Bowler whose 66 touchdowns between 2002-2004 are an NFL record for any three-year span, was placed on injured reserve. Doctors had recommended he avoid any contact at all for a minimum of 30 days.
He is not incapacitated and no surgery is planned, said general manager Carl Peterson.
``It's a head trauma and a neck trauma that has affected the cervical area of his spine,'' Peterson said. ``But he's not incapacitated. There's no reason for surgery.''
A statement from Dr. Jon Browne, the Chiefs' team physician, said no permanent damage had occurred either to the head or neck and that Holmes would be re-evaluated in 30 days.
Peterson also said doctors were not concerned about the possibility of paralysis should Holmes continue playing, and that Holmes indicated he planned to resume his career next season.
Injuries have caused the Chiefs' career rushing leader to cut short two of his last three seasons. But he has shown flashes of his old self while rushing for 451 yards and six touchdowns on 119 carries. He also has 21 catches for 197 yards, including a 60-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in a victory over Washington on Oct. 16.