One of the most important things for the Las Vegas Raiders was to get all of their offensive pieces healthy and on the field together, as they have a truly dynamic collection of talent. The biggest issue with that has been tight end Darren Waller, who hasn’t played since Week 5.
Waller had been practicing in a limited capacity this week with hopes of being able to suit up for Sunday’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts, but that is now out the window, as are any hopes of having Waller available anytime soon.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Raiders are set to place Waller on injured reserve, meaning the tight end will be out for at least the next four weeks:
Raiders are placing TE Darren Waller on injured reserve, per source. Waller aggravated his hamstring injury and the team believes this will give him four weeks to get it healthy and come back to finish the season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2022
This is a huge blow to the Raiders, as Waller is one of the most explosive players at his position in the entire league. His being on the field makes it much more difficult for the opposition to focus on star receiver Davante Adams as Waller is capable of making huge plays all over the field.
Unfortunately for Waller, injuries have been an issue over the last couple of years which has prevented him from consistently being that dominant force everyone knows he is capable of being. In his absence, Foster Moreau will be relied upon, and while he isn’t the explosive player Waller is, he is a reliable player who gives Derek Carr a solid option.
More pressure and opportunity will also be there for the likes of Hunter Renfrow and Mack Hollins to make even more of an impact for this team, and running back Josh Jacobs has proven that he is capable of handling a larger workload as well.
At 2-6, the Raiders’ playoff hopes are fading fast, and it is very possible that Waller simply sits out the rest of the season if things continue to slip and the team has no chance by the time he is eligible to return. The first game Waller will be able to play will be in Week 14 when the Raiders travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams on Thursday Night Football.