Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell’s first start just got tougher.
Washington’s leading receiver, Santana Moss, likely will not play in Tampa Bay on Sunday and miss his second game in three weeks thanks to a left hamstring injury that has not fully healed.
Redskins coach Joe Gibbs held out a sliver of hope that Moss’ status could change Sunday. Moss did not seem to share that optimism. He has not practiced all week.
“It just ain’t getting better,” Moss said, “so why keep doing something to it? I have to make sure that I can be myself. Last week I wasn’t myself. I don’t want to be out there and not be myself. Until this feels better, I probably won’t be out there.”
Moss leads the Redskins with 31 catches for 452 yards and three touchdowns. He did not play in the Nov. 5 win over Dallas. Last week, playing sore at Philadelphia, Moss caught just three passes for 17 yards and said, “I wasn’t myself.”
“I just hate doing this at a time like this because of what the team is dealing with,” Moss said. “I hate missing. We’re in a situation where everyone is needed. I feel like I’m letting myself down, so you know by me not being out there, I’m letting the team down. I’d love to be out there.”
The Redskins already are now minus their top two offensive playmakers in Moss and running back Clinton Portis, who was put on injured reserve earlier this week following surgery on his broken hand. Ladell Betts will start for Portis.
Also, backup receiver David Patten, also with a hamstring injury, said he won’t play. Nor will tight end Christian Fauria.
Plus there’s the matter of Campbell making his first NFL start.
“I’ve got a lot of guys around me who can still make plays,” Campbell said. “We just have to work together to make those plays.”
