Samuels' career in jeopardy

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By David Elfin

Washington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels, who sustained a neck injury Oct. 11, was ruled out for the season Friday and his career is in serious jeopardy following additional consultation with specialists this week.

Although he left the door open, Samuels, 32, is expected to retire this off-season when he is re-examined by doctors.

The six-time Pro Bowler told teammates this week he is prepared to retire rather than risk paralysis due to a narrowing of the spinal column diagnosed nine years ago.

"I will continue to seek medical advice," Samuels said in a statement released by the team. "I hope to see where I am physically over the next couple months. At this time, I have not made a decision, but I love playing for the Redskins and hope to be back."

Samuels, who wore a large neck collar since 2000, was injured on the Redskins second offensive snap against Carolina when he butted heads with Panthers defensive end Tyler Brayton. He was at Redskin Park Friday for the team photo but left before practice was completed and did not address the media.

Samuels told several teammates this week that the injury would ultimately force him to retire.

"Chris told me that he had to do whats best for him and his family," center Casey Rabach said. "Hes got a long future ahead of him and he doesnt want to be in a wheelchair."

Said Stephon Heyer, who inherited Samuels job: "I know he wants to keep playing but hes had a good run as one of the best tackles in football."

The loss of Samuels is a major blow to an already banged up Redskins offensive line, who lost right guard Randy Thomas in Week 2 to a season-ending triceps injury and declined to retain right tackle Jon Jansen and left guard Pete Kendall during the off-season.

Last week against Kansas City, Heyer moved from right tackle to left tackle and veteran Mike Williams shifted from right guard to right tackle. On Tuesday, the Redskins signed veteran left tackle Levi Jones, who has 89 career starts.

"Ive got huge shoes to fill," Heyer said. "Chris was a mentor to me and his advice was always on point."

Samuels, a former first round pick out of Alabama, started each of 140 career games, missing time with knee and triceps injuries.

"Chris always gave it all he had," said defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, Samuels college and pro teammate for a combined eight years. "He was the third pick in the draft, but he worked every day like a guy who wasnt drafted. He was a true pro."

If his career is over, Samuels finishes as one of the most decorated players in Redskins history. Only four players have been to more Pro Bowls than Samuels - Chris Hanburger (nine) and Hall of Famers Darrell Green, Ken Houston and Charley Taylor (seven apiece).

Samuels is one of the most decorated offensive tackles of his generation along with Baltimore's Jonathan Ogden, who's retired, Seattle's Walter Jones, who has been out all year with a knee injury, and Orlando Pace, who caught on with Chicago this year after being cut by St. Louis.

Samuels wasn't outspoken publicly, but his booming voice and frequent laugh were a constant presence in the locker room for nearly a decade.

At midseason 2008, Samuels, along with linemates Rabach, Kendall, Thomas and Jansen had helped Clinton Portis lead the league in rushing as Washington got off to a 6-2 start under new coach Jim Zorn.

Only Rabach will start Monday night against Philadelphia.

"It's been a tough season, no doubt," Rabach said. "I feel like the last man standing. We need our young guys to rise up."