Redskins OT Chris Samuels has yet to make a final decision on his playing career. (Rob Carr / Associated Press)

Washington Redskins Pro Bowl LT Chris Samuels is likely to be placed on injured reserve in the near future with a neck condition that could end his career. Samuels, 32, met with a specialist in California this week and will meet with another specialist next week, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, but he has yet to make a final decision about his future.

“It could very well be that he ends up choosing to retire, but no decision has been made yet,” according to the source.

Several of Samuels’ teammates said they would not be surprised if Samuels opts to retire.

“He seemed like he might be leaning that way,” one teammate said.

Samuels has long dealt with spinal stenosis, according to a team source, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal in his neck, and would generally require an MRI exam whenever suffering a blow to that area. He began going for further tests after suffering a stinger in a game two weeks ago, and has been advised not to play again until the situation clears up some, which could take a few months.

Samuels is awaiting more information about the injury, and is expected to make a final decision about his playing career sometime near the end of this season, according to the source. Samuels has declined to comment on the situation to this point, but, according to the source, “he’ll make a decision by the end of the year.”

Samuels is a regular at the Pro Bowl and has been the anchor of Washington’s line since being selected third overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. Injuries have marred Washington’s aging offensive line again this season. The team signed veteran free agent OT Levi Jones earlier this week, since Samuels will be absent for at least several more months.

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