The end of the line for Samuels?

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

Although he left the door open, Samuels, 32, is expected to retire this offseason when he is re-examined. The six-time Pro Bowl player told teammates this week that 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 has worn a large neck collar since 2000, was injured on the Redskins’ second offensive snap against Carolina when he butted heads with defensive end Tyler Brayton. He was at Redskin Park on Friday for the team photo but left before practice ended and did not address the media.

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

“Chris told me that he had to do what’s best for him and his family,” center Casey Rabach said. “He’s got a long future ahead of him, and he doesn’t want to be in a wheelchair.”

Said Stephon Heyer, who inherited Samuels’ job: “I know he wants to keep playing, but he’s 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 offensive line. The Redskins 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 offseason.

Last week against Kansas City, Heyer moved from right tackle to left tackle, and veteran Mike Williams shifted from right guard to right tackle.

“I’ve got huge shoes to fill,” Heyer said. “Chris was a mentor to me, and his advice was always on point.”

On Tuesday, the Redskins signed veteran left tackle Levi Jones, who has 89 career starts.

Samuels, a former first-round pick out of Alabama, has started all of his 141 career games, missing time with knee and triceps injuries.

“Chris always gave it all he had,” said defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, who played with Samuels in college. “He was the third pick in the draft, but he worked every day like a guy who wasn’t 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 wasn’t outspoken publicly, but his booming voice and frequent laugh have been a constant presence in the locker room for nearly a decade.

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

Of that group, only Rabach will start Monday night against Philadelphia.

“It’s been a tough season, no doubt,” he said. “I feel like the last man standing. We need our young guys to rise up.”