Washington Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo enters the final game of his renaissance 2013 season listed as questionable with a groin strain suffered last Sunday.
Although the injury is potentially debilitating in nature, head coach Mike Shanahan did not yet rule Orakpo out. If he unable to go, he will likely be a gameday deactivation.
"We probably would lean in that direction if he wasn't ready to play," Shanahan told the gathered media.
"If we feel he can't go, he won't go. But 'Rak, like the rest of our players, if he can play, he wants to play.
"We're not going to jeopardize his leg to play for obvious reasons. It's a little sore right now, but there's still a chance."
For his part, Orakpo obviously wants to play.
"I'm going to be packing my bag as if something miraculous happens and I'm able to go," he said. "If I am able to go, I'm going to play.
"I wouldn't say longshot but I just have to be realistic with the situation. If it's not where I want it to be, if it's not healthy then I'm not going to play.
"But if it is I'm going to be out there with my teammates for this last game."
Orakpo is reportedly entering the final game of his rookie contract and would like to make one more positive impression before potentially hitting free agency.
With 10 sacks in 15 games, he has his first double-digit sack performance since his rookie season and could match his career best with another quarterback takedown.
But nobody is willing to put him at risk of further injury to make that happen.
"I'm in treatment every day just trying to get better. If I'm able to play I'm going to play regardless of this game not mattering or not meaning anything.
"We'll see if I'm able to go at the end of the day. Just want to get more rest. The more rest, the better. We'll see."
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