Boselli never suited up for expansion Texans

HOUSTON -- The first player the Houston Texans selected in the 2002 expansion draft will reportedly announce his retirement from pro football without ever playing a down for the team.

After sitting out almost all of the past two years because of three operations on his left shoulder, Tony Boselli is expected to announce by the week's end that his eight-year career is over, according to reports by the Houston Chronicle and Houston station KRIV-TV.

Boselli, 31, declined comment when reached at his home Tuesday night.

Through a spokesman, Texans general manager Charley Casserly told KRIV: "We are discussing Tony's future and we will have a decision at some point."

The five-time Pro Bowl offensive left tackle came to Houston after playing in only three games for Jacksonville in 2001. He had surgery on his left shoulder three times.

Boselli counted $7.55 million against the Texans' salary cap last year, but he initiated negotiations to lower his base salary to $655,000 in 2003. Consequently, he will count only $3.05 million against the cap this season and $3.05 million more in 2004.

Boselli's retirement would force the Texans to rethink the alignment of their front five, but several contingency plans were in the works.

Zach Wiegert, who would have played right guard if Boselli were healthy, likely will shift to right tackle, the position intended for Chester Pitts, who started all 16 games at left tackle last season.

Greg Randall also might work into the mix at right tackle. Steve McKinney is set at center, and the two guard spots will be up for grabs between Fred Weary, Milford Brown, Ryan Schau and Todd Washington.

When healthy, Boselli was considered the premier left offensive tackle in the NFL. He allowed just 15½ sacks in seven seasons with the Jags, who made him the second selection of the 1995 draft.