Redskins Pro Bowl Tackle Chris Samuels Reportedly Retiring

Six-time Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels has decided to retire, the Washington Post reported. Samuels left Washington's Week 5 loss at Carolina after hurting his neck, an injury that was initially called a "stinger."

It was later revealed, though, that Samuels suffers from stenosis, which is a condition that causes narrowing of the spine.

Samuels has not played since the injury occurred. He was expected to meet with a neck specialist earlier this week to determine his long-term status, and the Post's report would seem to indicate that the prognosis was not good.

Samuels, the No. 3-overall pick in the 2000 draft out of Alabama, has started 136 games for Washington and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2001, 2002, and 2005-08.

The Washington Times countered the Post's report, saying that Samuels would definitely miss the remainder of the season, but would reconsider a retirement decision in 3-4 months.

Either way, this is a huge blow for an already-reeling Redskins offensive line. Washington will move forward with Stephon Heyer at left tackle, though the team did sign Levi Jones on Tuesday -- Jones started 89 games at left tackle for the Bengals from 2002-08, so he's a definite option to slide into the lineup, even though multiple teams passed on him before the Redskins called.

Unless Jones proves to be a godsend, or Samuels changes his mind, the Redskins will likely find themselves needing to fill several offensive line spots next offseason -- including both tackle spots.

(Update: Samuels released a statement late Friday evening stating, "I will continue to seek medical advice. 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.")