Santana Moss sits

HOUSTON -- Redskins receiver Santana Moss was named a healthy inactive for the first time in Washington.

It's only a mild surprise, but I wasn't sure if they would opt for Moss and his experience or rookie Ryan Grant. But considering how much they gushed over Grant this preseason -- publicly and privately -- it's not a huge shock that Moss would be inactive. Moss was last inactive in Week 11 of 2011, but that was for an injury.

The one reason that this decision gave me pause: Moss' ability to return punts if something happened to Andre Roberts (yes, DeSean Jackson could pinch hit quite well if that was the case). Both players can run routes from any of the three receiver spots -- you would expect that from Moss given his experience. But it also reveals how far along Grant is as well.

The other inactives weren't surprising at all: quarterback Colt McCoy, corner Tracy Porter, linebacker Akeem Jordan, guard Spencer Long, tackle Morgan Moses and defensive end Frank Kearse. Both Porter and Jordan have injury issues that sidelined them for Sunday. Porter has been dealing with a hamstring injury while Jordan has a sprained MCL. Long and Moses are rookies and, this preseason, showed that they have a lot to learn.


(espn.com)