Kansas City, Mo. ? For players like J.J. Moses and R-Kal Truluck, the final score of Kansas City’s preseason win over Houston had little meaning.

For the record, the Chiefs beat the expansion Texans, 19-9, on Saturday night, led by starters Trent Green, who completed 70 percent of his passes, and Priest Holmes, who scored the game’s only touchdown.

But for the players who aren’t starters, those without a place on the final roster all but assured, the exhibition game provided a chance to show what they can do and maybe, just maybe, win a job.

“Every time, I just go out and work hard, and I’ll let the Lord handle that,” said Moses, who is in his second Chiefs camp in as many years. “I’m just thankful to be in this situation. All I can do is control the way I play on the football field.”

Moses, a shifty but undersized wide receiver and kick returner, made the most of his chance. So did Truluck, a defensive end who led the Arena Football League in sacks this year.

Moses left the Texans scrambling to catch up with him on a couple of punt returns, including one in which he reversed his field twice and turned a no-yardage situation into a 23-yard return.

“Going to NFL Europe really helped me out, compared to last year when you have to learn a new system,” Moses said. “A lot of it is confidence, just believing in yourself and going out there and working hard.”

Truluck, who played in Canada for three seasons before going indoors in 2001, had two sacks and forced a fumble late in Saturday night’s game.

“I understand the system more, and they specifically put me in on passing downs so I can get after the quarterback,” Truluck said. “That’s something I can do pretty good.”