London Fletcher did not practice Tuesday and his active NFL record streak of consecutive games played is in doubt with the Washington Redskins playing at the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.
Fletcher sprained his left ankle in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles and returned to the game, but the soreness and swelling got worse since then.
He will be a game-time decision Thursday.
“Got a lot of treatment today, tomorrow,” Fletcher said. “Even Thursday before the game and see how I feel pregame. If I can go or not. That’s pretty much how it’ll go.”
Fletcher has played in 234 consecutive games, tied with Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Ronde Barber.
“It matters to London; it matters to us. Just not necessarily the streak but playing,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “There’s a reason why he’s played all those games because he plays when he’s hurt. Hopefully he’ll be able to play, but I can’t tell you for sure.”
That kind of doubt was present before the Redskins’ game at the Pittsburgh Steelers when Fletcher had balance issues and a hamstring injury that made him questionable. But the veteran middle linebacker gutted it out.
Fletcher’s next test could come on the turf at Cowboys Stadium. Asked if he tested out the ankle by running on it this week, Fletcher laughed and said, “That wouldn’t be smart to do.”
Under normal circumstances, Fletcher might be able to work himself into shape for a Sunday kickoff. As for playing on Thursday?
“It doesn’t help,” he said. “Just kind of got to get as much treatment as possible and do everything in my power to put myself in a position to play. So just get as much treatment.”
