Injury Might Keep Samuels Out All Season

The Washington Redskins could be without Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels for the remainder of the season, according to league sources.

Samuels, 32, suffered a stinger in last Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers, and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Samuels already suffers from stenosis, a narrowing of the spine, and wears a neck brace for extra protection when he plays.

Samuels is to meet with physicians Tuesday to reevaluate the injury. Sources said that because of the potential severity of the injury, Samuels -- who has a reputation as a tough player and has dealt with significant knee pain all season -- may have to consider shutting down his season and could even consider retirement.

Samuels has been upbeat when addressing the situation this week, and Coach Jim Zorn acknowledged Thursday that the situation is potentially more severe than the club initially thought.

"I think it is concerning, because we care about his health," Zorn said. "Because of the other doctors involved in trying to read this thing, it's the time that it's taking to get any answers -- that's what's hard. We just have to wait it out.

"But we're going to think very positive about this situation. I think he is as well. He's got an excellent attitude towards the waiting. That's the frustrating part, is just waiting for the results."

With Samuels out, Stephon Heyer moves from right tackle to left, where he likely will face more premier pass rushers. The third-year pro has struggled to consistently run- and pass-block in the past. Mike Williams, who played in his first NFL game since 2005 on Sunday, will move to right tackle.

-- NO VOTE NEEDED: In the wake of comments by some prominent Redskins who said they would appreciate a show of support from management for their coach, Zorn said he didn't need such an endorsement.

"I can't speak for those guys, because they're grown men," Zorn said. "I think we're all together. I don't think that that has to be done for me to feel better about myself and what we're doing. I think Mr. Snyder, he's tried to help in every way he can to get this team the way it needs to be. And sometimes, you know, it's a process. So, I can't answer more to that question."

In his daily meeting with reporters, Zorn was asked what it meant to have support from his players.

"It's awesome to have support, and just to know that that's really what's been going on all year, is that these guys are in," Zorn said. "We talked about it this morning. You know what reflects? Not just the talk. What reflects in the idea that they're all in, and they're supportive, is how they example that talk. They really work at it. They're really working hard.

"We're 2-3. We know our record. But they're out enjoying themselves, trying to get better and better each and every day, listening to coaches, trying to pay attention to all those things that we have to do to improve. I'm really proud of them. I really am."

-- DANIELS PRACTICES: For the second day in a row, defensive end Phillip Daniels was limited in practice, nursing a torn biceps suffered last week against Carolina. But Daniels said he still expects to be ready to play Sunday.

"Feeling pretty good," Daniels said after practice. "There's not a lot of pain there. Maybe a little bit that I have to get over. But other than that, I'm going to be fine."

Daniels said Monday that an MRI exam revealed the tear. Doctors said it would require surgery, but Daniels opted to continue to play.

Speaking on behalf of defensive coordinator Greg Blache, secondary coach Jerry Gray also said Daniels, who said he hopes to practice Friday, is expected to play, but he might not be on the field as much as usual.

"The thing we got to do is see what he actually gives us," Gray said. "The good thing is, Kansas City may actually give to us better because they give us a chance to play [against] three wide receivers, where he's not in anyway. So that helps a lot."

The Chiefs have started four different wide receivers this year and aren't scared to run three at a time.

Against three wideouts, depending on the situation, the Redskins would use the extra body in the secondary -- either a cornerback, such as Justin Tryon covering the slot, or a third safety.

-- Barry Svrluga, Rick Maese and Jason Reid