PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Ninth Concussion Too Much for Toon

In the midst of a slow recovery from his ninth concussion, Al Toon retired from the New York Jets Friday. The three-time Pro Bowl receiver is only 29.

Although the Jets say Toon has sustained five concussions in his eight-year career, Toon claims the number is nine. The latest came against Denver Nov. 8 when he was hit by linebacker Michael Brooks and his head hit the turf; Toon also had gotten a knee to the head a few plays earlier.

“It felt like a cannonball hit me in the back of the head,” he said of his final NFL play.

John Elway threw passes during warm-ups but did not take any snaps during Friday’s practice, and the Denver Bronco quarterback remained questionable for a Monday night game at Seattle.

Elway declined comment on his bruised right shoulder, which he injured against the New York Giants on Nov. 15. He missed last week’s game against the Raiders.

Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Neil O’Donnell is expected to start Sunday’s game at Cincinnati.

He sat out last week’s 30-14 victory over Indianapolis because of a pulled hamstring. Bubby Brister started for the Steelers.