Dilfer was 2 of 15, was sacked three times, and was intercepted twice before being yanked after reinjuring his ankle in the third quarter.

Mawae is experienced enough to understand the perils of reinjuring himself, Edwards said, and also how important it is that he be able to play at a high level.

ROY HINSON, a Nets forward, is leaning strongly toward retirement after reinjuring his right knee last week.

He returned Feb. 18, but lasted only 11 minutes in Pittsburgh before reinjuring the groin when doing the splits while attempting to stop Petr Nedved on a breakaway.

Other casualties of the campaign: Evansville Slew, who was undefeated in five races until he ran ninth in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile, has been retired after reinjuring the suspensory ligament in his leg.