Broncos released C Ryan Lilja. The Broncos lured Lilja out of retirement only to release him after 31 days. Recovering from microfracture surgery, the 31-year-old center must not have looked ready in camp. It's unclear if Lilja will continue his "comeback," or retire for good. Manny Ramirez is the Broncos' Week 1 center.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on NFL Insiders Broncos C Ryan Lilja underwent microfracture knee surgery in the offseason. Per Schefter, the Broncos "didn't realize" Lilja had the major surgery until they approached him about replacing Dan Koppen. Lilja is going on 32, an age at which any major knee repair would be especially concerning. Lilja is practicing fully in camp, however, and remains on track to be Denver's Week 1 center.

Broncos signed G/C Ryan Lilja to a one-year contract. Lilja's "retirement" was about as sincere as Jay Z's last decade. It's a nice signing for the Broncos, who were staring at going with replacement-level interior lineman Manny Ramirez at center. It's not a guaranteed coup, however. Going on 32, Lilja underwent toe and knee surgeries this offseason, making his health a fairly big question mark. Regardless, the Broncos are in a much better spot at center than they were 24 hours ago. Lilja was Pro Football Focus' No. 14 center last season.

Sources tell the Denver Post that the Broncos have offered a contract to "retired" G/C Ryan Lilja. Lilja and Peyton Manning spent six years together in Indy. Now the Broncos want him to come in and compete with Manny Ramirez for the starting center job vacated by injuries to Dan Koppen and J.D. Walton. If healthy, Lilja would be the favorite to win out.

FOX Sports reports the Broncos have reached out to "retired" G/C Ryan Lilja about a comeback. "Retired" because Lilja had already discussed a "comeback" with the Chiefs. Talks were put on hold in May as Lilja rehabbed from toe and knee surgeries. It's unclear if the Chiefs remain an option for the 32-year-old veteran. Provided he's healthy, Lilja would be a safer bet at center in Denver than Manny Ramirez.

The Kansas City Star reports retired G/C Ryan Lilja's potential comeback is "on hold" as he rehabs from toe and knee surgeries. Per reporter Adam Teicher, the Chiefs may also "now feel they have enough capable bodies along their line." Lilja is reportedly "receptive" to a comeback, but the issue may simmer until training camp.

Retired free agent G/C Ryan Lilja is rehabbing from toe and knee surgeries, but he could join a team for the start of training camp. Lilja, 31, announced that he was retiring the day after the season ended, but there have been reports that he has been "receptive to the idea" of coming back. The Chiefs have already approached him about a return, and the fact that he followed through with the surgeries indicates he could lace 'em back up.

The Kansas City Star reports the Chiefs have approached retired G/C Ryan Lilja about returning, and that Lilja is "receptive to the idea."

Chiefs G/C Ryan Lilja announced Monday that he's retiring from the NFL. The former Colt just wrapped up his ninth year in the NFL, and third with the Chiefs. Aside from missing all of 2008 with a knee injury, Lilja had missed just three games since 2006. That, coupled with the fact that he played at a high level for a moribund team this season makes his decision mildly surprising. However, he'll turn 32 in October, and is clearly interested in getting out of the league while he's still ahead. Lilja was headed toward free agency, so the Chiefs may have had a hole to fill on their interior line regardless.

Chiefs declared C Ryan Lilja (knee) inactive for Sunday's Week 11 game against the Bengals.