Cincinnati, OH -- (Sports Network) - Cincinnati Bengals linebacker David Pollack will likely retire, head coach Marvin Lewis told the team's website on Tuesday.

Pollack suffered a neck fracture in the second game of the 2006 season against Cleveland, and sat out the remainder of that season. He underwent surgery to repair the fracture in January of 2007, and missed the entire 2007 season as well.

The 25-year-old, who converted to linebacker after being a three-time All- American defensive end at Georgia, was hurt on Cleveland's second play from scrimmage on September 17, 2006, when he collided with running back Reuben Droughns while assisting on a tackle.

After a few moments on the field, Pollack was taken off on a stretcher and spent the night in a hospital.

The 6-foot-2, 255-pounder was selected 17th overall by the Bengals in 2005, where he switched to strong-side linebacker. In 14 games in 2005, including five starts, Pollack recorded 35 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks.