Chris Samuels says he is optimistic that he can continue his career next season with the Washington Redskins, but if he doesn’t strap on a helmet again, he’ll walk away from the game without any regrets. It sounds like he’s sending mixed messages, and that’s understandable.

The six-time Pro Bowl left tackle was shut down for the season after suffering a stinger on Oct. 11 at Carolina. On Tuesday, he was at FedEx Field helping pass out turkeys for the holiday to Prince Georges County, Md., residents.

“At this point, I haven't put my career (in the) past tense,’’ Samuels said. “I'm still optimistic about playing again. But one thing about it: I'm not fearful. Right now my spirits are high.

“Some people are even amazed at how I'm going around smiling and joking - my normal self. But football is something I've made a good living doing. It's my job. I enjoy it, I love it - but it's not who I am. It's just a job. Whichever decision I make, it's gonna be fine.”

Multiple doctors have told Samuels that the spinal stenosis he suffers from increases his chance for paralysis if he plays again. He will be re-evaluated in about three months, by which time the organization is going to have to make a decision about what it wants to do. The offensive line has been a disaster and the Redskins are going to have to bring in support whether Samuels returns for 2010 or not. It might be wise to plot a course without him for now.

“It's a pretty bad injury,” he said. “Stenosis is something I've been dealing with for years. So I'll sit back and wait and see.”

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