Inspiring Golf

NORTON, Mass. -- Given the choices from an NFL injury report, Paul Casey listed himself as probable for the Deutsche Bank Championship this week as the world's No. 3 player tries to cope with a rib injury.

Casey, a three-time winner this year, has not played since withdrawing from the first round of the Bridgestone Invitational a month ago. A week later, he withdrew 30 minutes before he was to tee off in the PGA Championship.

"The doctor is wanting me to err on the side of caution," Casey said Tuesday at the TPC Boston.

He at least knows the extent of his injury. Casey flew home to Arizona from the PGA Championship to have an MRI, which he said revealed a torn oblique near the 10th rib and a strained intercostal.

He had a cortisone shot to alleviate the pain, which concerns him.

"I don't feel anything," he said, running his hands over his rib cage. "But then you run the risk of tearing something and not knowing it."

Even with the majors over, Casey has plenty at stake on two tours.

The Englishman was No. 18 to start the FedEx Cup playoffs on the PGA Tour, and already slipped to No. 27 while sitting out The Barclays last week. Even if he can't play the Deutsche Bank Championship, he likely would make it to the third round at the BMW Championship in Chicago.

Casey also is No. 2 in the Race to Dubai on the European Tour behind Martin Kaymer, who recently injured his foot in a motor cart accident and will be out for six weeks.

Casey said he has hit no more than 20 or 30 balls over the last three weeks, and would limit his practice over the next few days until deciding whether to play.

"I'll be taking it very easy," he said.