GREELEY, Colo. -- Terrell Davis' latest injury could force a difficult decision for the one-time All-Pro running back: Should he continue trying to play on hobbled knees or retire at 29 after just seven years in the league?

Davis had hoped he wouldn't have to contemplate retirement for several more years, but the recent swelling in his left knee has him preparing for life after football.

He met with coach Mike Shanahan on Saturday to discuss his future and options. Davis is going to take his time to make a decision, but his options are slim. He can: wait and see how lubrication treatments work on his ailing knee -- he has a second session scheduled for Monday; have surgery, although there is nothing that can be done structurally; consider retirement.

	Davis

"I'm taking everything in stride, and whatever way the wind blows I'm fine with it,'' said Davis, who has been plagued by injuries since 1998, when he became just the fourth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.

"I've reflected on a lot of things I've done and things I'm going to do, and it's not everything in life. I mean, it was fun while it lasted and if it was meant to be the end, then hey, it was meant to be the end.''

Davis was arguably the best running back in the 1990s, rushing for 6,413 yards in his first four seasons -- the second-highest total in league history. In 1998, he rushed for 2,008 yards and became the eighth player to be named MVP of the league and the Super Bowl during his career.

Then, injuries hit.

Davis tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the fourth game of the 1999 season, then played just five games the following year due to lower leg injuries. Last year, he was limited to eight games due to a knee injury.

Davis had surgery on his left knee for the second time in a year in May, but was back on the field for a minicamp just three weeks later. The Broncos held him to one practice per day through the first two weeks of training camp and he seemed to be running without pain.

Davis' latest ailment, a degenerative condition in his left knee, came in what had been a good training camp.

Davis started having pain and swelling in his left knee as he warmed up for Denver's preseason opener against Chicago on Saturday. He told the coaching staff just before the game that he wouldn't be able to play.

	“	I'm taking everything in stride, and whatever way the wind blows I'm fine with it. ”
		— Terrell Davis

Davis received two injections on Monday to relieve swelling and lubricate his knee joint. He said Tuesday he was feeling better and the swelling had reduced some, but coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday that he hadn't gotten any better.

"No change. Not much improved from yesterday,'' Shanahan said. "That will be more of a day-by-day situation to see how he feels. We are hoping he can make some strides.''

The doubt has left Davis weighing his options.

"The hamster's up there running on the wheel right now. I'm thinking about a lot of things, and obviously I want to play,'' Davis said. "And if my mind could will my body to cooperate, then I'll be playing. My body has to get on the same page as my mind.''

Davis might not have the final say on his future.

He is one of the most popular Broncos, both with fans and those within the organization.

The Broncos rewarded Davis by sticking with him through his comebacks, but the time might come when the patience wears thin and the team looks to younger, healthier players.

The Broncos already have a proven runner in Olandis Gary, who rushed for over 1,100 yards as a rookie two years ago, and rookie Clinton Portis seems to have star potential.

"At some point in time, Terrell has to look at himself and ask, 'Does it continue?''' tight end Shannon Sharpe said. "At some point, you have to realize that, 'I've had a great career. Maybe it's time to focus my energy on something else.'

"That's a hard decision because it's something you've basically been doing all of your life, and suddenly you aren't doing it anymore.''

No one is anxious to see Davis leave.

"I truly wish him well. You get tired of seeing that happen to a guy; a guy with a good attitude who has always been a good friend,'' said fullback Mike Anderson, Davis' replacement in 2000.

"You hope the best for him. Knowing T.D., if he can get back out here, he's definitely going to be back out. There's no need to count him out.''

One option for Davis might be to become a situational player. Davis said he might accept the role if it means prolonging his career.

"Could I be a backup, a 5-to-10 carry back?'' Davis said. "It's humbling, but yes, I could probably do it. No doubt about it. As long as I can contribute in some fashion, then I'll be content with that, especially knowing my situation.''