Is Darren Waller playing in Week 9? Should I pick up and start Foster Moreau for fantasy football?

It seemed like fantasy managers were getting a great discount on a high-volume tight end throughout the fantasy draft season when Darren Waller was being drafted as the TE4. Unfortunately, things have not gone to plan through the first eight weeks of the season.

Waller (and the Raiders’ passing offense in general) has struggled to gain momentum to start the year. The seventh-year tight end started hot, catching 10 of 14 targets for 129 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, it didn’t last after six receptions for 46 yards in Weeks 3 and 4 combined. Waller wouldn’t finish Week 5 due to a hamstring injury and hasn’t been seen since. 

Things have been trending upward this week with Waller logging limited practices and officially being listed as questionable before Week 9’s game against the Jaguars. Is Darren Waller playing in Week 9? Should I pick up and start Foster Moreau for fantasy football? Find your answers below.

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Is Darren Waller playing in Week 9?

By all accounts, Waller is heading into Week 9 as a true game-time decision as he works his way back from a Week 5 hamstring injury. However, there is a reason for optimism this week after the tight end logged limited practices throughout the week. 

By all accounts, Waller is trending toward playing and hasn’t suffered any setbacks. With the Raiders’ offense scuffling and the team in desperate need of a win, it seems likely that Waller will be on the field as soon as possible.

Should I Pickup and Start Foster Moreau?

Given the heavy volume of teams on bye this week, it seems like a good idea to stash Foster Moreau on your fantasy bench if you have room. Moreau and Waller only played three games together this season, but the young tight end logged at least a 50% snap share in two of those games (Weeks 2 and 3) and drew eight targets.

The tight end position is a desolate wasteland once again this year, and if your primary tight end is on bye, Moreau will be on the field and could have a role in the passing attack. Hamstring injuries have a high re-occurrence rate as well, so even if Waller plays, it isn’t a guarantee he finishes the game.

Starting Moreau outright carries significant risk (unless Waller sits once again) given their run-heavy approach and the competition in the passing attack. However, stashing him could pay off if the team decides to give Waller one more week off.

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