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Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller has had a disappointing start to his 2022 campaign. His preseason ADP was as the TE5 in PPR formats, and yet he has been just the 20th-most productive player at the position through Week 6.
While Waller scored just 10.6 points combined in Weeks 3 and 4, a key reason for his lack of fantasy points was his early exit from his Week 5 matchup against Kansas City. Waller left that game before making a single catch due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the first quarter.
The Raiders had their bye week last week, so Week 7 would be the first opportunity for Waller to return from the injury he suffered against the Chiefs. Is he on track to return this week, or will fantasy managers need to look elsewhere?
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Darren Waller Injury News
Early in Las Vegas's Week 5 bout with Kansas City, Raiders tight end Darren Waller injured his hamstring. He exited in the first quarter before making a catch and was designated as questionable to return.
Darren Waller (hamstring) is QUESTIONABLE to return.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 11, 2022
Shortly thereafter, it was reported that Waller would not make a return to the contest.
Darren Waller will not return. He has been ruled OUT with a hamstring injury
— Bobby Thompson (@BThomps81) October 11, 2022
The Raiders did not play last week, so Waller has had two weeks to heal. Will that be enough rest for him to be active on Sunday against the Texans, or will he be forced to miss more time?
Is Darren Waller Injured or Playing in Week 7?
On Wednesday, Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels expressed optimism that Darren Waller would be able to suit up against the Texans, but he remained non-committal.
McDaniels answered "yes" when asked whether he's hopeful that tight ends Darren Waller (hamstring) and Foster Moreau (knee) can return this week, but added "that's not a prediction." So, we'll see.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) October 19, 2022
By Friday, Waller had still not returned to practice. This suggested he had a low chance of playing on Sunday.
Hunter Renfrow (hip) is back at practice.
Darren Waller (hamstring) is still out. #Raiders will probably be without him.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) October 21, 2022
Waller was then officially ruled out for this weekend's contest later on Friday, confirming the fears of fantasy managers. Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr will be without one of his top weapons versus Houston.
#Raiders ruled out TE Darren Waller (hamstring) against the Texans, while WR Hunter Renfrow (hip) is listed as questionable.
— Anthony Galaviz (@agalaviz_TheBee) October 21, 2022
With Waller inactive, the Raiders will be forced to start Foster Moreau at tight end. Moreau is a fourth-year player out of LSU. He has made six catches for 74 yards in 2022 so far, and he has scored 10 career touchdowns. The Raiders may also be without receivers Hunter Renfrow and Mack Hollins, who are both listed as questionable for the game.
Fantasy managers who now need to adjust their lineups to account for Waller's absence should consult the latest RotoBaller Week 7 Rankings. Anyone who needs to acquire a tight end should check out Nick Mariano's Week 7 Waiver Wire Rankings. Waller being ruled out does not need to result in a loss for your team.
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