Star receiver and fan favorite Milt Stegall won't be participating in this year's Blue Bomber training camp, the team announced Tuesday.
Stegall had arthroscopic knee surgery on May 2 after experiencing discomfort during off-season workouts.
The Bombers say they do not know Stegall may return.
"The operation went well and I have been in rehab every single day since the procedure," he said in a news release. "I look forward to helping the team off the field throughout training camp and returning to the field when I am healthy."
Head coach Doug Berry and General manager Brendan Tama are holding a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Milt Stegall will join the conference via telephone.
Last year Stegall made the Canadian Football League record books when he broke the all-time touchdown reception record after 13 years in the league.
Stegall then made more headlines when he hinted that the 2007 season would be his last. He said he was 99 per cent certain he would not be returning in 2008, citing family commitments as the driving force behind the decision.
Stegall, 38, has not won a Grey Cup, and was visibly disappointed after the Bombers loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in last year's CFL championship. In January, Stegall announced he had his family's blessing to return for another shot at the Grey Cup.
As a testament to his popularity in the community, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz announced that Arena Road, near Polo Park would have its name changed to Milt Stegall Drive.
Winnipeg head coach Doug Berry said preparations for the 2008 season will remain as planned, with rookie camp beginning tomorrow, and veterans taking the field on June 1.
"Our focus remains on the season and to compete for a championship," said Berry. "With Milt out, other players will have to step-up in his absence. Our goals remain the same."
The Blue Bombers have also announced the release of defensive back Juran Bolden.
