If the Las Vegas Raiders are going to improbably make a run to the playoffs in the AFC, they are going to need to be firing on all cylinders. It looks like they will have the chance to do that offensively, as both Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow could be returning soon.
Waller has been out since Week 5 with a nagging hamstring injury, while Renfrow was dealing with an oblique issue. Both went on injured reserve after Week 9, but now both have the chance to suit up this Sunday when the Raiders host the New England Patriots.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Raiders have designated both tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow to return from injured reserve:
Raiders have designated TE Darren Waller and WR Hunter Renfrow to return from injured reserve.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 14, 2022
Both players can be activated over the next 21 days, and it is possible they could be in uniform on Sunday. This is a huge addition to the Raiders offense that has been carried by running back Josh Jacobs and receiver Davante Adams this season. While that doesn’t seem likely to change, it does give the Raiders two Pro Bowl options that will make life easier for everyone.
Renfrow is the ideal slot receiver who can make teams pay over the middle with his route running and short burst speed. Waller, meanwhile, is one of the best athletes at the tight end position who is capable of breaking off big plays at any moment. But more than anything, they should command at least some attention which opens up some room for Adams and Jacobs.
The question is whether this is too little, too late for the Raiders to make their run. Last Thursday’s loss to the Rams was absolutely crushing as now, instead of being 6-7 and just one game out of the final AFC playoff spot, the Raiders are instead tied with three other teams at 5-8 and two games behind the Patriots, Jets, and Chargers.
The road will not be easy, as after the Patriots, the Raiders will head to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers before coming home to finish the season against the 49ers and Chiefs. But getting their full offense together gives this team a chance to defeat anyone, and Renfrow and Waller will be ready to make an impact once they get back on the field.
