Jerry Rice signed a one-day contract to retire with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, officially ending the receiver's matchless career back where it began. Rice, who played the first 16 of his 20 NFL seasons with San Francisco, shed no tears during a short signing ceremony at the 49ers' training complex. The receiver wore his ring from the 49ers' 1989 Super Bowl championship team on a chain around his neck as he hugged his wife, Jackie, and shook hands with San Francisco owner John York. "I would like to put the uniform on and run on that football field, but I think it's time to move on," Rice said, gesturing toward the practice fields behind him. "I feel welcome here. I feel like this is my home, and this is something I'll never forget."

Receiver Jerry Rice will retire as a member of the 49ers next week. Rice, who holds most of the significant NFL receiving records, won three Super Bowls during 16 years with the 49ers. He will sign a contract Thursday at the 49ers' training complex before making his retirement official, the club officially announced Saturday. The wideout will be honored again during halftime of the 49ers' game against the Seahawks on November 19.

Seattle tight end Jerramy Stevens was expected to miss the next six weeks after injuring his surgically repaired left knee during practice. An MRI exam showed that Stevens had torn the meniscus in the same knee that was fixed April 25. He was scheduled to have surgery in Seattle. The Seahawks open the season Sept. 10 at Detroit. Six weeks would be the end of September, and the Seahawks could give Stevens more time to recover with their bye coming on Oct. 8.

Final details of a one-day contract are being worked out that will allow legendary receiver Jerry Rice to retire as a 49er. A team spokesman said the 49ers are working out the details with the NFL. The 49ers also are trying to find a date within the next two weeks when Rice and other principles such as owner John York would be available to make a formal announcement. Rice had been scheduled to do his Sirius Satellite Radio program live from the 49ers' headquarters on Tuesday. But a 49ers spokesman said the live appearance now will take place on the day that the formal announcement is made. Speculation as to the date for the actual ceremony has centered around the 49ers' home game on November 19 against the Seahawks.