5 veterans who could play their final NFL game in Week 17

Week 17 marks the end of the 2020 regular season, and that means it may be time to bid farewell to some familiar faces. Here are a few notable players who could be taking the field for the last time Sunday.

Jason Witten, TE, Las Vegas Raiders Chris Unger / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Witten is no stranger to retirement, spending the 2018 season in the Monday Night Football booth before returning the following campaign. After playing with the Dallas Cowboys for the first 16 years of his career, the tight end signed with the Las Vegas Raiders for what could be his final ride.

The 38-year-old's production and playing time fell off a cliff in 2020. Witten has received just 17 targets and is in jeopardy of missing triple-digit yardage totals for the first time during his career.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Talk of Fitzgerald's retirement seemed to be at least a few games away, but the prospect of Sunday being his final contest resurfaced when the Cardinals' playoff chances took a significant hit in Week 16.

Fitzgerald has been the measuring stick of production and class since entering the NFL in 2004. The 37-year-old wideout trails only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in receiving yards, and though the veteran may not dominate defenses as he did in years past, he showcases his savviness in other ways.

Philip Rivers, QB, Indianapolis Colts Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The world witnessed Eli Manning ride off into the sunset last season, and there's a chance Rivers follows in his draftmate's footsteps this year. The veteran signal-caller flirted with retirement before signing with the Colts in the offseason and deciding to give it at least one more go.

Rivers ranks sixth all time in passing yards, but he's never quite achieved that level of success in the playoffs. He'll need some help, but Rivers will be fighting for another chance this Sunday to chase the elusive Lombardi trophy. A failure to make the postseason could signal the end of what has been a remarkable career.

Sean Lee, LB, Dallas Cowboys

The heart and soul of the Cowboys' defense for the last decade, Lee's playing days could be numbered. A two-time Pro Bowler, the linebacker has battled injuries for a good portion of his career, but his intelligence has impressed many, with head coach Mike McCarthy even courting Lee should he want to coach in the near future.

With his seasons of 100-plus tackles in the rear-view mirror, Lee may be enjoying one final curtain call Sunday. The 34-year-old started his first game of the season in Week 16, and his last matchup could be a divisional clash with the New York Giants.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles Drew Hallowell / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It feels like just yesterday that Jackson took the league by storm with his electric touchdown receptions. Now, 13 years later, the receiver could be on his way out due to durability concerns.

There's no doubt the 34-year-old still has the speed to command attention on the field, but the problem is that Jackson struggles to stay on said field. The veteran has played in just eight games since returning to the Eagles two years ago. Jackson, who will now spend Sunday on the sideline after being ruled out, could possibly hang up his cleats for good after the season.

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