Crossword Genius

Unable to span the production schedule? (5-6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

short-handed

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'unable' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for short-handed that I've seen before include "needing more staff" , "Lacking sufficient staff" , "need of more staff" , "Not having enough staff" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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