Santana Moss doesn’t know when he’ll play again; maybe this week, maybe not. He is certain about one thing: he won’t rush back. And because of his uncertainty, the Redskins have taken a step to make sure they’re covered in case he can’t return soon.
Or in case his strained groin becomes a nagging injury. Washington signed veteran wideout Keenan McCardell Monday and released safety Omar Stoutmire.
The Redskins hope McCardell can provide depth at a spot where it’s lacking. But Moss’ groin will have a bigger impact. If he can’t play against Detroit on Sunday, Washington will lose its best downfield threat and one of its top playmakers.
James Thrash, who has played but has not yet been thrown to, would start in his place.
Moss, who strained his groin in the Sept. 23 loss to the Giants, was even keel about his chances of playing.
“The way I’m feeling is 10 times better than last week,” he said. “[But] it’s a long season and I’m not trying to sit here and have something that bothers me through a long year. I’d rather get this right. Who knows what will happen later in the week. … I can’t go from sitting down to saying, ‘I’m gonna go out there running around on a strained groin.’ You have to be smart.”
The importance of Moss, who did not practice Monday, can’t be understated. He leads Washington with 12 catches for 199 yards and is the only receiver who commands extra attention.
Also, the Redskins have only one other wideout — Antwaan Randle El — who has caught a pass this year. Reche Caldwell, signed Sept. 11, has yet to play.
“If pushed into duty, he’ll do an outstanding job,” Redskins associate head coach of offense Al Saunders said.
Brandon Lloyd backs up Randle El at the Z receiver spot, but has the downfield speed Washington could useif Moss can’t play. Lloyd, though, has no catches and is now the No. 4 receiver.
“We brought him here to catch balls and make plays,” Saunders said. “Antwaan moved ahead of him.”
Moss was bothered by a groin injury before training camp. He’s dealt with hamstring injuries in previous seasons.
“I played so many times early in my career where I was feeling like [garbage] and played well,” Moss said. “But when you get through those years you feel like, ‘Why hurt myself? Why hurt the team?’ Let’s be sure so you can give it your all.”
