[Kansas City.com] These are uncertain times in Kansas City, with the Dick Vermeil decision looming and two massive linemen aching as the season draws to an end. Roaf and right guard Will Shields, who have 22 Pro Bowls between them, have hinted about retirement all season.

Roaf changed direction Wednesday, casually dropping in a teleconference that there is a “good chance” he’ll be back in 2006. He missed six games because of a hamstring injury, and in the middle of rehab, Roaf openly contemplated the end. What happened upon his return in November obviously changed his mind.

He was dominant at left tackle, and helped the Chiefs reclaim their spot amongst the top offenses in the NFL.

“I just don’t think he’s finished with it,” Roaf’s mom, Andree Layton Roaf said. “I don’t think he has accomplished what he wanted to accomplish for the team, and he knows that they need him. If he’s healthy, he’s such an important building block for the team. I think he knows that.”

Shields may be a different story. He’s battling arthritis in his knee and back. He slipped out of the locker room Wednesday saying he’s not thinking about Sunday possibly being his last game and that he’ll worry about his decision after the season.

Like he has on numerous occasions this season, he dodged the “How are you feeling?” question.

“I’m alive,” Shields said as he peeled the tape off his feet. “That’s a good thing.”