Kenechi Udeze, the Vikings defensive end who missed last season because of leukemia, has retired.
Coach Brad Childress said Wednesday that Udeze, the team's first-round draft choice (20th overall) in 2004 out of Southern California, has ended his comeback attempt.
Udeze tied for the team lead in sacks in 2007, but got sick following the season and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in February 2008. He had a bone marrow transplant last July and felt well enough to participate in this spring's minicamps and organized team activities.
But after the practices, Udeze apparently decided he needed to devote his time to fighting his illness.
After a June workout, he told the Star Tribune: "I'd be lying if I said it was easy. There was never an easy point. The first time I went back to USC and started working out with the fellas, I fell. I took two steps and I fell. I took small steps at first and, to where I am now, I can't complain."
Injury - Football Wiretap
Browns Put Edwards On Non-Football Injury List
The Browns have placed receiver Braylon Edwards on the non-football injury list with an undisclosed ailment.
Cleveland did not provide any details while making the announcement on Tuesday.
Edwards was mostly a spectator during the team's three-day camp in June because of an undisclosed injury.
Marshall Misses Practice With Health Issues
Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall missed the team's morning practice on Tuesday for health reasons.
Denver coach Josh McDaniels said the decision to sit Marshall was precautionary after the receiver felt soreness following his first workout on Monday.
Marshall had offseason hip surgery, but McDaniels didn't elaborate what was bothering the receiver.
Buffalo Loses DiGiorgio For Entire Season
Bills linebacker John DiGiorgio will miss the entire 2009 season after undergoing surgery on his right knee.
The procedure repaired bone damage in the knee.
He had the surgery two weeks ago, but agent Chris Murray told The Associated Press that the linebacker isn't expected to fully recover until January.