In recent weeks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has alluded to some things in-house that need to be addressed. Additionally, both Carr and Davante Adams have alluded to some players who are perhaps not on the same page as others in the locker room.
It was unclear exactly who Carr was referring to, and with the Raiders sitting at 2-7, there is plenty of blame to go around and numerous players who are likely the source of some frustration. But it looks like a key piece of the Raiders’ offense could be the main source of frustration.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, there is frustration growing inside the Raiders regarding tight end Darren Waller and his desire to get back on the field:
That said, sources have indicated that frustration is growing among the club regarding star tight end Darren Waller, who has been sidelined for all but eight plays over the past five games with a hamstring injury. The sense is Waller is not demonstrating the necessary fight to get back on the field.
If this were to be the case, it makes sense why Carr and other Raiders would be growing frustrated. So many players fight through injuries and do everything they can to be out on the field, so if Waller weren’t to be doing that, it would be a problem.
Waller has yet to see the field since injuring his hamstring in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite practicing in a limited capacity over the ensuing weeks, Waller never took the field for a game and would then be placed on injured reserve last week, meaning he won’t be eligible to return until the Raiders’ December 8 contest against the Los Angeles Rams.
In fairness to Waller, soft tissue injuries like hamstrings can be tricky to heal. Timeframes can fluctuate, and they can be re-aggravated with just one wrong move. But the players in the locker room are there seeing everything, so they would have a good idea if the necessary work ethic just isn’t there.
Waller was expected to be a key part of what many believed could be one of the best offenses in the league, and his absence has severely hurt the team. Now his prolonged absence could be having negative effects off the field too.
