Santana Moss Injury: Update on Redskins Star's Hand Injury

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 23 at 4:55 p.m. EDT

Grant Paulsen just tweeted that Moss broke a bone in his hand, confirmed by head coach Mike Shanahan. 

The Washington Redskins just took a critical blow as star wide receiver Santana Moss left the game with a hand injury, according to the official Carolina Panthers’ Twitter feed.

If he does not return, and that is likely the case right now, it is really going to affect the Redskins chances to beat the Panthers.

Rotoworld is reporting that the wrap on his hand could indicate a possible fracture which would be more serious than the team would like.

Let’s take a look at the impact this injury is going to have on the team and Moss’ fantasy owners.

Fantasy Impact

This injury should not murder anyone’s fantasy dreams unless they are in a very deep league and then it still isn’t an insurmountable injury.

Moss was considered a No. 3 receiver in most leagues going into this game, as John Beck was making his first start of the season and inconsistency at QB is never good for receivers in fantasy or any other purpose actually.

Who’s the Backup?

Jabar Gaffney.

Gaffney has had 50-plus yards in each game he has played in this season and will be the natural replacement for Moss at the No. 1 spot if he misses an extended period of time.

He has 19 receptions for 293 yards and a TD on the year, which isn’t bad considering how bad the Redskins’ passing game can be.

Devastation Scale

7. If Moss doesn’t return today, it's going to be really tough for the ‘Skins to get a win.

If he misses an extended period of time, it’s going to hurt their fragile quarterback situation and make it tough for their signal callers to find a rhythm and have a reliable target.

Luckily, the Redskins are pretty deep at the position but none of the players are near as good as Moss.

Timeline for Return

No timeline has been set, but it is unlikely he returns today.

What They’re Saying

Chuck Carroll at FootballNewsNow.com is saying that Moss’ hand is heavily taped and he was worked on in both the locker room and the sideline.

He also confirmed it was an injury to his left hand.