Kansas City, Mo. ? The Kansas City Chiefs are no longer holding out hope that Willie Roaf will come out of his abrupt retirement.

Chiefs President Carl Peterson said Wednesday that after “a lengthy conversation” with the 11-time Pro Bowl left tackle, the club would switch his roster status from reserve/did not report to reserve/retired.

Ever since Roaf made his surprise retirement announcement on the eve of training camp, the Chiefs had said they thought he might change his mind.

“I’ve gone through this retirement process with players many times,” Peterson said. “With John Alt, Tim Grunhard, Marcus Allen and Joe Montana. It is never easy.”

Kansas City’s offensive line, long a great strength, has been left in shambles with the loss of both starting tackles. Right tackle John Welbourn has been suspended for six games by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy.

Chiefs quarterbacks were sacked seven times in their season-opening 23-10 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday.

“It comes to all players sooner or later, and we respect Willie’s decision,” Peterson said. “As it was with all these previous players, Willie was a terrific player and a terrific person. His teammates, coaches and everyone associated with the Chiefs will miss him.”

Later in the season, the Chiefs will hold a recognition ceremony for Roaf.

Roaf has scheduled a news conference for this afternoon in his attorney’s office, presumably to discuss situation.