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The signs pointed toward retirement for Tim Bowens, after he failed a physical and was released by the Dolphins because of a back injury.

	Tim Bowens Defensive Tackle Miami Dolphins Profile
	2004 SEASON STATISTICS Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int 3 3 0 0 0 0

But it seems Bowens isn't quite ready to hang up his cleats.

Bowens agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the defensive tackle has opted to hold off on filing retirement papers with the league. Instead, Bowens will wait to see if he feels better after time off, and if so, would be interested in playing for the Dolphins in 2006.

"If he came back, it would be with the Dolphins. That goes without saying," Rosenhaus told the paper. "I wouldn't be shocked if Tim really misses the game, and his back really improves, to see him back next year, but Mother Nature would have to cooperate a lot between now and then."

A 12-year veteran, Bowens, the last player remaining from Don Shula's tenure with the Dolphins, played in just two games last season because of a herniated disc in his back.

He had originally hoped for a comeback in 2005, but his back was not responding well to rehab and had not been cleared by his doctors to play again.

When the 6-foot-4, 325-pounder was waived both he and Rosenhaus suggested it was unlikely Bowens would return to playing, with Bowens saying he looked forward to his "new role as a member of the Dolphins alumni."

Bowens exit -- even if now temporary -- was not unexpected; the Dolphins signed veteran free agent defensive tackle Keith Traylor this offseason, in part because of the uncertainty surrounding Bowens and last year's other projected starter, Larry Chester, who missed much of 2004 with a knee problem.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.