by Jay Glazer

Updated: November 23, 2007, 11:54 AM EST 198 comments

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Running back Priest Holmes, who re-injured his neck in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, met with a specialist Tuesday and has decided to retire, multiple sources have told FOXSports.com.

Holmes made the decision at the urging of teammates and those close to him. He was to meet with team officials early Wednesday and will announce his retirement later in the day.

Holmes, 34, returned from a nearly two-year hiatus earlier this season, an absence that was also a result of a neck injury.

Holmes started the last two games in place of Johnson. According to sources, Holmes was dinged two or three times on Sunday. The last time came in the fourth quarter, which saw him leave the field in a wobbly state after his 20th touch of the game.

In 10 seasons, Holmes has rushed for 8,172 yards on 1,780 carries and scored 86 touchdowns. He also has 339 receptions for 2,962 yards and eight scores. He scored a then NFL-record 27 touchdowns in 2003.