In all likelihood, they were probably doing that whole "will he play or won't he" thing teams (especially NFL teams) feel gives them an advantage against their opponents, for some reason.
If he were that hurt that it were actually up in the air regarding his playing today, he likely would not have been in a position to be the "decider." And if it were actually close enough to be "either way / up to you," he likely would have already been suited up...the players are too competitive; none of them are going to willingly tell the coach they'll just sit a game out when they're cleared to play.
But it does make for a nice narrative.