Ironman Jeremy Shockey has an ailing knee that might keep him from participating in Sunday’s NFC Championship game. This comes as a complete “shock” to me. If Jeremy has displayed anything over the last few years, it’s being 100% reliable.

So what if he’s missed eleven starts in three seasons and usually exits games early due to some sort of minor injury. Shockey is still a tough guy. Ignore the fact that his catches and yards have declined each of the last four seasons. He’s still one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Big deal that he’s scheduled to make $4.5 million next season, which at his current pace would equate to around $100,000 per reception. Jeremy is still worth every penny.

Nobody headbangs as vigorously as Shockey does after a routine six-yard grab. Nobody signals for a first down with as much zeal as Shockey. He’s fiery and emotional, even when standing on the sideline dressed in street clothes nursing one of his numerous maladies.

I’m confident the big tight end will play on Sunday. I’m also fairly certain he’ll get hurt in the first half and sit out the rest of the game.