Preseason games are all about seizing the moment for players looking to book their places on rosters around the league. This was especially evident for the Washington Commanders, who didn't suit up 30 players for their warmup opener versus the New England Patriots.
It wasn't a profitable evening at the office. Very few emerged from the game with credit. And for one veteran aiming to firmly establish himself, the future is bleak.
The Commanders were without their primary playmakers in the wide receiver room at Gillette Stadium. Terry McLaurin stayed home as he continues to wage his contract war on Adam Peters. Noah Brown wasn't risked as he continues his injury recovery. Deebo Samuel Sr. got the night off, which provided a big opportunity for others to flourish in their absence.
Chris Moore might not be long for the Commanders' roster after preseason dud
Chris Moore was among them. He'd caught the eye throughout Washington's offseason program. There were also some encouraging flashes at training camp. Unfortunately, he couldn't bring this through to a typical NFL game-day setting.
Moore got some early work, but he dropped two makeable catches that came his way. That was extremely disappointing, and it was also enough for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to turn his attention elsewhere in his quest to gain yards through the air.
Any trust the coaching staff had in Moore took a major hit. And once this critical factor starts to diminish, it's only going to end one way.
Whether Moore lasts much longer is anyone's guess. The Commanders have fierce competition for places in the wide receiver unit behind the projected starters. Their depth has been completely exposed without McLaurin taking up the attention, and the former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati could be the first to be made surplus to requirements.
Dan Quinn was far from pleased by the effort and execution from his squad. The fine margins are going to make a big difference when competitive action begins, and the Commanders have no room for passengers with lofty expectations on their shoulders in 2025.
Moore went from an intriguing roster bubble player to a potential afterthought in the blink of an eye. This was his strongest measuring stick so far, and he failed to deliver. That won't go unnoticed by those in power when the time comes to make some tough decisions.
What the immediate future holds for Moore is anyone's guess. But it wouldn't be a shock to see Peters trim the fat after this subpar contribution.
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