Darren Waller Injury News & Updates

Waller's pectoral injury isn't expected to be season-ending, coach Mike McDaniel said Friday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller was placed on injured reserve Wednesday and won't return prior to Week 13. The Dolphins believe he will play again in 2025. Julian Hill, Tanner Conner and Greg Dulcich are set to fill in while Waller's sidelined.

The Dolphins placed Waller (pectoral) on IR on Wednesday.

With Waller slated to miss at least four games due to the strained pectoral he sustained during Week 7 action, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner and Greg Dulcich are slated to handle Miami's TE duties in the meantime. The soonest Waller can return from IR is Nov. 30, following the Dolphins' Week 12 bye.

Waller is considered week-to-week due to a strained pectoral that the Dolphins do not believe will require surgery, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Waller was forced out of Miami's loss to the Browns in Week 7 after playing just 15 offensive snaps before recording a catch, and he now appears to be trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons. With the Dolphins already without Tyreek Hill (knee - ACL) for the year, an absence for any stretch of time on Waller's part will be a significant blow to a passing game that's already struggling. Tight ends Julian Hill and Tanner Conner will benefit from increased workloads in Week 8 if Waller can't go, as will wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in the No. 3 role behind Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington.

Waller (pectoral) won't return to Sunday's game against the Browns.

Prior to his exit, Waller didn't record a catch. In his absence, Julian Hill and Tanner Conner will handle Miami's TE duties versus Cleveland. Waller's next chance to see game action will be next Sunday against the Falcons.

Waller is questionable to return to Sunday's game versus the Browns due to a pectoral injury.

Waller did not record a reception before he was ruled questionable to return just before halftime, and it's unclear exactly when or how he was forced to exit. In the 33-year-old's absence, Julian Hill should fill in as Miami's TE1 for the time being.

Waller (hip/rest) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Browns, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Waller was limited in all three of Miami's practices but avoided an injury designation. The 33-year-old tight end's practice reps have been managed throughout the season, but Waller has been effective on game days. Since making his Dolphins debut in Week 4, Waller has compiled a three-game touchdown streak, producing 10 catches for 117 yards and four touchdowns on 12 targets.

Waller (hip/rest) was limited in practice Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Waller has consisted had his practice reps capped this season as part of a load management plan, so there's not yet any reason to worry that his availability for Sunday's game against the Browns is truly in jeopardy. Expect Waller to carry an injury designation for Week 7, but barring any actual setbacks the veteran tight end figures to take the field on the road versus Cleveland.

Waller (hip/rest) was limited in practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Waller continues to have his practice reps capped due to a load management plan, though his gameday workload has now increased in three consecutive weeks. The veteran tight end handled a season-high 69 percent of offensive snaps during Miami's loss to the Chargers in Week 6, securing two of three targets for 12 yards and a touchdown. Waller has scored in all three of his appearances with the Dolphins this season. He'll face a challenge to keep up that streak on the road against the Browns' vaunted defense on Sunday, though if Cleveland's pass rush forces Tua Tagovailoa to rely heavily on short-area passes, it could result in increased target volume for Waller.

Waller brought in two of three targets for 12 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' 29-27 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.

Waller was having a surprisingly forgettable day until the final minute of the contest, when he recorded a seven-yard touchdown grab in the right corner of the end zone with 46 seconds remaining to cap off a 13-play drive and erase a 26-20 deficit. The veteran tight end, who'd come into the day with an 8-105-3 receiving line over his first two games, would have therefore been the hero had Justin Herbert not driven the Chargers down for a game-winning field goal. Waller has now turned a whopping 40.0 percent of his 10 catches to date into touchdowns, and while regression is inevitable, he could be busy in a Week 7 road matchup against a Browns defense that could force the struggling Tua Tagovailoa to get the ball out quickly.

Waller (hip/rest) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Chargers, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller was a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday after failing to practice Wednesday, but he'll be available for Sunday's game against the Chargers. The veteran tight end has thrived since recovering from a hip injury that sidelined him through Week 3, posting eight catches for 105 yards and three touchdowns across two games since making his Dolphins debut.

Waller (hip/rest) was limited at practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller was deemed a 'DNP' on Wednesday, but his return to a limited session Thursday has him trending toward being available Sunday against the Chargers, and quite possibly without a Week 6 injury designation, as was the case last week after the tight end logged three straight limited listings. With that in mind, it's worth noting that Furones previously relayed via Dolphins TEs coach Jon Embree that Waller is a candidate to continue to see an uptick in playing time after increasing from 16 to 32 snaps between his first and second game back from being sidelined Weeks 1-3.

Waller (hip/rest) is participating in Thursday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller sat out practice Wednesday, though it seems he's simply continuing to have his reps managed. The veteran tight end ramped up his playing time Week 5, handling 58 percent of offensive snaps, and despite playing a part-time role across his two appearances thus far, he's managed to produce an impactful 8-105-3 receiving line on nine targets. With Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the year, Waller seems to have solidified himself as one of the focal points of Miami's offense, joining WR Jaylen Waddle and RB De'Von Achane. Waller will work to gain clearance for Week 6 and keep up his momentum at home against the Chargers on Sunday.

Waller (rest/hip) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

It sounds like it was more of a rest day than anything else for the veteran tight end, who missed all of training camp and the preseason with the hip injury. After playing 27 percent of the offensive snaps in his Week 4 debut, Waller's playing time skyrocketed to 58 percent in Week 5. Through two games, Waller has a productive 8-105-3 receiving line on nine targets and has put himself in the fantasy TE1 conversation moving forward with Tyreek Hill (knee) done for the season.

Waller secured all five targets for 78 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' 27-24 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Waller made a splash with a two-touchdown effort in a Week 4 win over the Jets, a game that marked his first regular-season action since the 2023 season. With Tyreek Hill (IR, knee) going down for the season in that contest, Waller figured to see his opportunity rise exponentially beginning with Sunday's game, and that came to fruition. While the majority of the veteran tight end's production came in the first half, Waller still finished second in receptions and receiving yards for Miami on the afternoon while adding a four-yard scoring grab early in the second quarter. Waller figures to remain a key figure in the air attack during a Week 6 home matchup against the Chargers next Sunday.

Waller (hip/rest) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Waller, who made his regular-season debut in Week 4, was listed a limited participant in practice this week, with the Dolphins managing his practice reps after the tight end parlayed his 16 snaps in Monday's 27-21 win over the Jets into a 3/27/2 receiving line on four targets. On the heels of that effort, Waller is a candidate to see his snap share increase this weekend, and with WR Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season, he should have an opportunity to claim a key role in Miami's passing offense going forward, in the absence of any injury setbacks.

Waller (hip/rest) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Though Waller's reps were capped for the second day in a row, the presumption is that his limitations were maintenance-related as the Dolphins ease up on his practice load following his recent return from a hip injury. Despite playing just 16 of the Dolphins' 58 offensive snaps in his team debut in Monday's 27-21 win over the Jets, Waller made his presence felt during his time on the field with three catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns on four targets. With Miami losing star wideout Tyreek Hill (knee) for the season in Week 4, Waller could be in line for increased involvement in the passing attack in the games to come. For his part, Waller told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that he believes he can handle a jump in his snap count in Sunday's game against the Panthers, if the coaching staff feels he's ready for that.

Waller (hip/rest) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller's limited practice activity appears to be at least partially related to maintenance. The veteran tight end made his team debut during Monday's 27-21 win over the Jets and was highly productive despite playing just 25 percent of offensive snaps, as he secured three of four targets for 27 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins figure to continue taking a cautious approach to ramping up Waller's activity, but it will be crucial for him to begin playing closer to a starting role sooner than later, with Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the remainder of the season. Waller's next chance to increase his snap count will come Sunday on the road against Carolina.

Waller secured three of four targets for 27 yards and two touchdowns in the Dolphins' 27-21 win over the Jets on Monday night.

The veteran tight end finally got on the field following his year-plus span on the sideline, with the majority of that absence due to his retirement during the 2024 offseason. Waller also had to overcome a hip issue before getting on the field Monday night, but he mostly looked like his old self while recording four- and nine-yard touchdown grabs in the second and third quarters, respectively. Waller's apparent readiness to immediately contribute is particularly a welcome sight in the context of Miami likely having lost Tyreek Hill for the remainder of the season Monday due to a knee dislocation, as the Dolphins offense will be in need of playmakers to absorb the significant loss.

Waller (hip) does not carry an injury designation heading into Monday's game against the Jets, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

As expected, Waller has been cleared to make his 2025 regular-season debut after missing the first three games due to a lingering hip issue. The veteran tight end announced his retirement from the NFL in 2024, but he opted to reverse course and was traded by the Giants to the Dolphins in July. Given that Monday will be Waller's first regular-season action since the 2023 campaign, Waller will likely work in a rotational role at tight end alongside Julian Hill and Tanner Conner.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said Saturday that Waller (hip) is set to make his 2025 debut Monday against the Jets, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Waller missed the Dolphins' first three games of the regular season due to a hip injury that stemmed from training camp. He opened the week with back-to-back limited practices, but the veteran tight end is expected to suit up in Monday's AFC East clash, which will impact the offensive snap count for fellow tight ends Julian Hill and Tanner Conner. Waller last saw regular-season action in 2023 with the Giants, when he logged 52 catches (on 74 targets) for 552 yards and one touchdown across 12 games.

Waller (hip) remained limited at practice Friday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Following back-to-back limited practices, Waller is trending toward a return to action Monday night against the Jets, with Furones noting that in such a scenario, the tight end would likely be eased in on certain packages in which he can be featured. In any case, Saturday's final injury report will reveal whether Waller carries a Week 4 designation, but in terms of his initial fantasy viability, a wait-and-see approach is probably in order.

Waller (hip) was limited in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Waller is ramping up his activity and remains on track to make his 2025 season debut Monday night against the Jets, though coach Mike McDaniel has already stated the veteran tight end will be on a snap count. It's unclear how much Waller has left in the tank at 33 years old, especially dealing with an injury after sitting out the entire 2024 campaign.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Waller (hip) remains on track to make his team debut Week 4 against the Jets but will be on a snap count, Hal Habib of The Palm Beach Post reports.

McDaniel said Waller's reps will be limited to "a situational snap count or a package-type thing" versus New York on Monday Night Football on Sept. 29. Waller's presence figures to provide a much-needed boost for Miami's stagnant offense, especially in the red zone, though fantasy managers will likely want to get a chance to monitor how the veteran tight end looks in his first NFL action since 2023 before trusting him in weekly lineups.

Coach Mike McDaniel expects Waller (hip) to play against the Jets on Sept. 29, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Per the report, McDaniel noted Friday that Waller was "super close" to playing in Thursday's loss to the Bills, while suggesting that the tight end may have been able to play had the game been Sunday. With his return to game action on the radar, Waller is worthy of roster consideration for those in TE-friendly formats, or who otherwise are looking to bolster their depth at the position.

Waller (hip) is officially ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bills, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Waller managed to string together a trio of limited practice sessions, but he nonetheless won't be cleared to retake the field on a short week leading up to Thursday's contest. The veteran tight end figures to have a more realistic chance to make his regular-season debut Week 4 against the Jets in a Monday Night Football matchup on Sept. 29. Julian Hill and Tanner Conner will continue to split reps at the TE position Thursday.

Waller (hip) was a limited participant at the Dolphins' practice Tuesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller is considered unlikely to play Thursday night against the Bills, but his ability to practice in any capacity Tuesday is a step in the right direction. Head coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday in reference to Waller and running back Jaylen Wright (knee), that the team will "see how the rest of the week goes," and that "they're putting their best foot forward." Waller will likely have to set his sights on making his Dolphins debut in Week 4 on Sept. 29 versus the Jets on Monday Night Football.

Waller (hip) was listed as limited on Monday's practice estimate, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Waller, who has been out for the first two games of the season, had been deemed a non-participant in all of the Dolphins' practices leading up to Monday's estimate. Either way, the tight end's status for Thursday night's game against the Bills remains uncertain, with added context in that regard set to arrive via his participation level in Tuesday's session.

Waller (hip) is unlikely to play Thursday against the Bills, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Waller has yet to suit up for the Dolphins and didn't practice in any capacity ahead of Sunday's 33-27 loss to the Patriots, so it's hardly surprising that he isn't expected to be available on a short week for Thursday's trip to Buffalo. Tanner Conner had two catches against the Colts in Week 1, but the Dolphins didn't get a reception from a tight end in Waller's absence Week 2.

Coach Mike McDaniel noted Friday that Waller (hip) will be out for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

With Waller slated to miss his second consecutive game, Tanner Conner (four targets in Week 1 on 28 snaps on offense) and Julian Hill (28 snaps, zero targets Week 1) are in line to continue to lead Miami's tight end corps this weekend. Waller's next chance to see game action will arrive next Thursday against the Bills.

Waller (hip) remained a non-participant in practice Thursday, Alain Poupart of SI.com reports.

Per David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Waller was spotted working out on the side during Thursday's session, but at this stage the tight end's status for Sunday's game against the Patriots remains cloudy. If Waller remains sidelined Week 2, Tanner Conner (four Week 1 targets) and Julian Hill (zero targets Week 1) would continue to lead Miami's TE corps this weekend.

Waller (hip) wasn't spotted at Wednesday's practice, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Waller was among the Dolphins' Week 1 inactives, and the tight end's status for Week 2 is uncertain at this stage. If Waller remains sidelined this weekend, Julian Hill and Tanner Conner would once again handle Miami's TE duties.

Waller (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's season opener against the Colts, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Per Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN, Waller suffered a hip strain this week, and the injury setback will be enough to sideline the tight end in Week 1. In Waller's absence versus Indianapolis, fellow TEs Julian Hill and Tanner Conner are in line for added opportunities, while Greg Dulcich and Hayden Rucci are potential practice-squad elevations.

Coach Mike McDaniel revealed Friday that Waller (hip) suffered a setback before Thursday's practice, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

As a result, Waller didn't take part in Thursday's session and at this stage McDaniel says he doesn't believe the tight end will play Sunday against the Colts, a notion that could be confirmed when Friday's final Week 1 injury report is posted. If Waller is ruled out, Julian Hill and Tanner Conner would be next up for Miami's tight end reps this weekend.

Waller (hip) did not practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Waller's absence from practice Wednesday was merely part of a planned schedule, as he hadn't practice three consecutive days since his return from retirement, and that the veteran tight end would be back on the field Thursday. It's thus possible that his current 'DNP' status represents a setback of some sort, especially given that Waller is being listed with a hip injury. Miami said throughout the preseason that a cautious approach was being deployed simply for conditioning purposes. Friday's practice represents Waller's last chance to get some on-field work in before the Dolphins decide whether he'll carry an injury designation for Week 1, and at this stage he appears uncertain for Sunday's road opener against Indianapolis.

Waller (hip) is not present for the early portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller didn't practice Wednesday, but coach Mike McDaniel said the veteran tight end was expected to be at least a limited participant Thursday. He could still take the field for drills, but if Waller is officially limited as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report it could be an indication he's suffered some sort of setback. Julian Hill and Tanner Conner are Miami's only available backups at tight end heading into Sunday's road matchup against the Colts.

Waller (hip) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Waller is officially listed with a hip injury, though coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that the veteran tight end hasn't had any injury setbacks and is simply on a ramp-up schedule, per Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site. McDaniel said Waller, who missed time early in training camp while working on his conditioning, will retake the practice field Thursday. Waller still appears on track for Sunday's regular-season opener on the road at Indianapolis, but how extensive a snap share he'll be ready for Week 1 remains to be seen.

Waller took part in team drills at Wednesday's practice, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Waller continues to ramp up his participation level at practice ahead of Miami's regular-season opener on the road versus Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 7. It will bode well for Waller's odds of handling a full starting snap share Week 1 if he can continue handling full practice reps, including team drills, without any limitations or breaks. Tyreek Hill (oblique) and De'Von Achane (calf) are not practicing Wednesday, but the Dolphins appear to anticipate both players being available versus the Colts.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Waller "has continued his progression" and will be increasing his activity level at practice this week, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

Waller spent most of training camp on the active/PUP list for conditioning reasons before being cleared to practice Aug. 20, and he's now continuing to ramp up his participation with the regular-season opener against Indianapolis now less than two weeks away. He's expected to open the year as the Dolphins' top receiving tight end, a role that will be increasingly valuable if Tyreek Hill (oblique) is limited at all by the time Week 1 kicks off.

Waller (undisclosed) is participating in position drills Thursday, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reports.

Waller's ramping up the scope of his practice participation one day after being activated from the active/PUP list. His absence from team activities prior to that activation was reportedly due to conditioning reasons, as Waller was getting back up to speed after being away from football in 2024. He's expected to serve as Miami's starting tight end in 2025 after unretiring.

The Dolphins activated Waller (undisclosed) from the active/PUP list Wednesday.

Waller has spent the entirety of training camp and the preseason to date on the PUP list, reportedly for conditioning reasons after he spent last season in retirement, but he'll now begin practicing. With the veteran tight end having missed Miami's first two preseason games, Saturday's exhibition finale against the Jaguars will be his final chance to shake of the rust with game reps prior to Week 1. Waller projects as the Dolphins' clear top pass-catching tight end, with Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown available to primarily handle blocking reps. Waller will work to make the most of the next three or so weeks to build chemistry with QB Tua Tagovailoa, acclimate to coach Mike McDaniel's scheme and ramp up into full football shape, with a hopeful eye toward kicking off Week 1 against the Colts on Sunday, Sept. 7 as a full-time starter.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Waller (undisclosed) could begin practicing this week, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller remains on the active/PUP list as he regains his conditioning after unretiring, but the Dolphins likely plan to activate the tight end during the week of practice leading up to Saturday's preseason finale against the Jaguars. Once up to speed, Waller's projected to top a tight end depth chart that also includes Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday that this is "not the week" for Waller to come off the active/PUP list and resume practicing, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

McDaniel had previously expressed optimism that Waller would be back on the field this week, but he said Tuesday that the team doesn't want the veteran tight end to be thrust into joint practices (against the Lions) immediately upon his return. Waller, who spent last season away from the NFL, began training camp on the PUP list primarily due for conditioning reasons. It sounds like he won't be available for Saturday's exhibition matchup in Detroit.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that he believes Waller (undisclosed), who remains on the active/PUP list, is roughly one week away from practicing, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports,

Waller began training camp on the PUP list for conditioning reasons, a development that isn't exactly surprising given that he spent the 2024 season in retirement. The veteran TE is fully expected to be ready for Week 1, and it'll be encouraging if he indeed retakes the field in time to get multiple full weeks of practicing in before the regular-season opener against Indianapolis on Sept. 7. Due to the 111-target void left by Jonnu Smith's departure, Waller carries upside as a late-round selection in 2025 fantasy drafts, especially due to his 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame Miami's need for a dominant red zone target. To open the year as a full-time starter, though, Waller will need to both get into football shape and fully learn McDaniel's intricate offensive scheme.

Waller (undisclosed), who remains on the active/PUP list Tuesday, is expected to be ready for Week 1 per his agent Drew Rosenhaus, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said late July that Waller's placement on the active/PUP list to begin training camp is a matter of getting back into "football shape," so it appears the veteran tight end is simply improving his conditioning after spending the 2024 season away from football. Waller, who will turn 33 just days after Miami's regular-season opener against the Colts, is missing valuable reps in a complicated offensive scheme, so even if fully ready for Week 1 it's possible he'll need time early in the year to acclimate to a full starting workload.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Waller (undisclosed) is in "tremendous shape" but not "football shape," Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Coming back from a one-year retirement, Waller remains on the PUP list during the first week of Dolphins training camp. It may be a matter of conditioning more so than any injury, but McDaniel didn't necessarily sound like he expects the tight end to be a full practice participant anytime soon. Waller will turn 33 in September, and while there's plenty of time to ramp up before Week 1, his role may mostly be limited to clear passing situations (at least initially).

Coach Mike McDaniel noted Wednesday that Waller's placement on the PUP list is standard procedure for players coming out of retirement, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

With that in mind, McDaniel indicated that the team is simply taking a preventative and responsible approach by easing Waller into the mix. In terms of the tight end's physical readiness at the onset of training camp, McDaniel added, "this is a well-conditioned athlete who's in great shape." Once Waller re-takes the field, he'll have an opportunity to fill the void created by the trade of fellow TE Jonnu Smith (88 catches for Miami in 2024), who was traded to the Steelers last month.

The Dolphins placed Waller (undisclosed) on the active/PUP list Tuesday.

Waller can be activated at any time, but he's going to miss at least the start of training camp to get himself back in playing shape after spending the 2024 campaign out of the league. The Dolphins traded for Waller earlier this month in a late-round pick swap with the Giants. It remains to be seen what Waller has left in the tank and if he can stay healthy, but he's an intriguing late-round fantasy option at tight end. There are targets to be claimed behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the Miami passing offense.

Waller is coming out of retirement and was acquired by the Dolphins in a trade with the Giants on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The two teams are swapping late-round picks, with the Giants acquiring a conditional sixth-rounder in 2026 and Miami also getting a 2027 seventh-rounder. Waller will sign an adjusted, incentive-laden deal to facilitate the trade to Miami, according to Pelissero. Waller turns 33 years old in September and retired ahead of training camp last summer. However, he recently informed the Giants of his desire to return to football, but only if it could be in Miami. With Jonnu Smith traded by the Dolphins to the Steelers on Monday, Miami had a massive hole at tight end. Waller is getting up there in age and hasn't been particularly effective or healthy since 2020 with the Raiders. It's still a worthwhile flier for a Dolphins offense that was lacking established pass catchers behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Waller is coming out of retirement and was acquired by the Dolphins in a trade with the Giants on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The two teams are swapping late-round picks, with the Giants acquiring a conditional sixth-rounder in 2026 and Miami also getting a 2027 seventh-rounder. Waller will sign an adjusted, incentive-laden deal to facilitate the trade to Miami, according to Pelissero. Waller turns 33 years old in September and retired ahead of training camp last summer. However, he recently informed the Giants of his desire to return to football, but only if it could be in Miami. With Jonnu Smith traded by the Dolphins to the Steelers on Monday, Miami had a massive hole at tight end. Waller is getting up there in age and hasn't been particularly effective or healthy since 2020 with the Raiders. It's still a worthwhile flier for a Dolphins offense that was lacking established pass-catchers behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

The Giants placed Waller on the reserve/retired list Monday, Howard Balzer of GoPHNX.com reports.

Waller informed New York of his intent to retire Sunday, and the team has wasted little time in officially putting the transaction forth. The 31-year-old's retirement frees up $11.9 million in cap space for the Giants this season, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN, but leaves the team with $6.6 million in dead money both this year and 2025. Waller's lone season in New York produced just upwards of 500 yards plus one touchdown across 12 games, but he'll best be remembered for a phenomenal two-year stretch from 2019-20, in which as a standout for the Raiders he exceeded 1,100 receiving yards twice and combined for 12 touchdowns on 197 catches.

Waller has informed the Giants that he is planning to retire, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Waller had been contemplating retirement since shortly after the Giants' season ended in January, and it became more apparent in recent weeks that he was leaning toward hanging up his cleats. The veteran tight end didn't attend New York's OTAs, and the organization was well aware that he was potentially not returning for the 2024 campaign. Waller is walking away from the NFL at the age of 31 having played eight seasons in the league -- two with the Ravens, five with the Raiders and one with the Giants. He accumulated 350 career receptions for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns over 86 regular-season games. New York drafted Theo Johnson in the fourth round of this year's draft, and he'll presumably compete with 2022 fourth-rounder Daniel Bellinger for the team's lead role at tight end.

The Giants expect Waller to announce his retirement within the next week or so, ESPN.com's Jordan Raanan reports.

The team anticipates an announcement before mandatory minicamp June 11-13, with sources close to Waller suggesting he's leaning toward retirement. He said Friday that a decision is coming soon, and he's been busy off the field working on his music career and finalizing a divorce. Waller missed five or more games each of the past three seasons and thus finished with no more than 665 yards or three TDs. He had back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons in 2019-20 with the Raiders, peaking at 107-1,196-9 in 2020. If Waller has a late change of heart and decides to play another season, he'll be part of a New York offense that signed three guards in free agency and drafted WR Malik Nabers sixth overall, though the QB situations remains as shaky as ever with Daniel Jones recovering from an ACL tear and Drew Lock taking first-team reps this spring. Daniel Bellinger, Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz give the Giants capable blockers at tight end, while incoming fourth-round pick Theo Johnson has the speed (4.57 40) and size (6-6, 2

Coach Brian Daboll relayed Thursday that Waller remains absent from the Giants' OTAs, Pat Leonard of the Daily News reports.

Waller's absence isn't surprising given that he's considering retirement, but Daboll indicated that the Giants plan to give the 31-year-old tight end the time he needs to make a call on his plans for 2024."[We will] let Darren take what [time] he needs to take, and once the decision is made, we'll go from there," Daboll noted Thursday. If Waller elects not to play this season, Daniel Bellingerwould be the next man up in a TE corps that also currently includes Theo Johnson, Jack Stoll, Chris Manhertz, Lawrence Cager and Tyree Jackson.

Waller said Wednesday that he's still undecided on retirement but will make a decision "pretty soon," Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

While he doesn't expect to decide before the start of the 2024 league year March 11, the 31-year-old tight end said he doesn't want it become "this drawn-out thing" and will give the Giants time to adjust if they end up needing to replace him. If he waits too long the team might take the decision out of his hands, as Waller doesn't have any guarantees remaining on his contract and is scheduled for at least $12 million in compensation each of the next three seasons. The Giants can free up $11.625 million in cap space by declaring Waller as a post-June 1 release, though multiple reports have suggested they'd rather have him back. The tight end was on pace to catch 85 passes for 923 yards through seven games in 2023 before a Week 8 hamstring injury derailed his season and led to a third straight year with at least five missed games. He had 2,341 yards and 12 TDs in 32 games between the 2019 and 2020 seasons, compared to 1,605 yards and six TDs in 32 games over the past three years combined.

Waller still hasn't decided whether he will return to the Giants for the 2024 season or retire, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports.

Early Friday, news emerged that Waller had contemplated retirement during the offseason but ultimately decided to return. However, the veteran tight end subsequently texted the Post to explain that, despite those reports, he is undecided about retirement. New York gave up a third-round draft pick to acquire Waller from the Raiders in March of 2023, and it's safe to assume that the organization was expecting to get more than one season out of him when making that deal. If Waller does decide to retire, it would be a significant blow to the Giants' air attack, as he ranked second on the team with 52 catches and 552 receiving yards last season despite playing in only 12 games.

Waller thought about retiring earlier this offseason, but he'll continue playing football and isn't expected to be a cap casualty, Paul Schwartz and Ryan Dunleavy of the NY Post report.

A midseason hamstring injury cost Waller five games in 2023, his first year with the Giants and third straight season missing at least five contests. He has three years remaining on his contract but no salary guarantees, with the Giants able to add around $11.6 million in 2024 cap space by declaring the tight end as a post-June 1 cut (or waiting until June to trade him). It sounds like player and team want to give things another shot in New York, hoping Waller can stay relatively healthy for the first time since 2020 even though he'll turn 32 in September. He was on pace to catch 85 passes for 923 yards through seven games in 2023 before the hamstring injury derailed his season Week 8. Waller missed the next five games and then played less than two-thirds of snaps on offense in each of the final four weeks of the season.

Waller brought in five of six targets for 45 yards in Sunday's 27-10 win over Philadelphia.

Waller played just over half of New York's offensive snaps in the contest and finished tied for the team lead in receptions. That led to the fourth-highest yardage mark among Giants pass catchers on an unusually productive day for the team through the air. Waller missed five games in the middle of the campaign due to a hamstring injury, but he was reasonably productive when healthy despite New York's offensive struggles, and he finished the season with 52 catches on 74 targets for 552 yards and a touchdown over 12 contests. Waller is under contract through 2026 and should return next season as the Giants' primary tight end and one of the team's biggest threats in the passing game.

Waller caught five of six targets for 51 yards in Sunday's 26-25 loss to the Rams.

Waller posted his highest yardage total since Week 7, as the veteran tight end finally seems to be fully recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out for five games. He has just one touchdown among his 47 catches for 507 yards on 68 targets as a member of the Giants, but Waller will look to finish his season on a high note in Week 18 against the Eagles.

Waller (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Like several other of his Giants teammates, Waller was estimated as a limited participant Wednesday for the team's walk-through session, but he was back on the field as a full participant at day later to erase any concern about his availability for Sunday's game against the Rams. Since returning from a stint on injured reserve Week 15, Waller has been held to six catches for 72 yards and no touchdowns on 11 targets, but his fantasy ceiling could be higher in Week 17 with a more proven signal-caller in Tyrod Taylor set to replace slumping undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito as the Giants' starting quarterback.

Waller was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a knee injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

In two appearances since missing five games due to a right hamstring injury, Waller has hauled in six of 11 targets for 72 yards, including a catch of 20-plus yards on both occasions. He did appear to get banged up on his 20-yard snag with 26 seconds remaining during the Giants' last-ditch effort Monday at Philadelphia, but no health concern emerged until the first practice report of Week 17 prep. Waller will have two more chances to get back to full before the team potentially gives him a designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Rams.

Waller recorded two receptions on five targets for 32 yards in Monday's 33-25 loss to the Eagles.

Waller made minimal impact for much of the game and failed to record a catch on each of his first three targets. He got on the stat sheet on the Giants' final possession with receptions of 12 and 20 yards, the latter of which set up a potential game-tying touchdown on the final play of the game. Waller has only 72 yards combined in two games since returning from a hamstring injury, though he has managed 11 targets in that span.

Waller (hamstring) caught four of six targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Saints.

Waller returned from a six-game stint on injured reserve and finished as the Giants' second-leading receiver against the Saints. The receiving tight end did not appear to be limited in terms of playing time or ability in the one-sided loss. This was also the first time we saw him receiving passes from undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito. Waller's final line was right around the averages we saw when Daniel Jones was getting him the ball earlier this year (4.5 receptions and 48.0 yards per game). More of the same can be expected when the Giants face the Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 16.

Waller (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Waller was activated from injured reserve Saturday and will now take the field for the first time since Week 8. It's unclear whether he'll be on a snap count, though reports from practice earlier this week suggest he was running a full route tree. Assuming Waller is ready to go at full capacity, he should play a significant role in the Giants' passing attack, as he managed at least seven targets in five of eight contests prior to suffering the hamstring injury.

Waller (hamstring), officially listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Saints, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Waller was activated from injured reserve Saturday, so the expectation is that he will play for the first time since Week 8. Nevertheless, his status won't become official until shortly before the Giants kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET. If he does suit up, Waller will bolster a pass-catching corps that is currently led by Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson.

Waller (hamstring) was activated off injured reserve Saturday, but the tight end is still listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.comreports.

The Giants haven't officially removed Waller's injury designation, but it'd be strange to activate a player from injured reserve and then opt not to play them. While the offense hasn't generated a ton of yardage with Tommy DeVito at quarterback, Waller easily profiles as the team's best offensive weapon and certainly will help the rookie quarterback come Sunday, should he be active.

Waller (hamstring) is listed a questionable for Sunday's game at New Orleans, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

After missing the Giants' last five contests due to a right hamstring injury, Waller was designated for return from injured reserve Thursday and immediately logged a limited practice. At Friday's session, he appeared to be preparing as if he'll be able to play Week 15, per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, and Waller even told Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com that he handled the entire route tree this week. While Waller expects to play this weekend, the Giants will need to activate him from IR by Saturday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline in order to do so.

Waller (hamstring) expects to play in Sunday's game against the Saints but doesn't anticipate handling his normal workload, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported Friday that Waller was practicing as if he was preparing to play, and the tight end confirmed as much when he met with the media Friday afternoon. Having avoided any setbacks throughout the week, Waller likely will be activated from injured reserve prior to the 4:00 p.m. ET deadline Saturday. That being said, it won't come as any surprise if the Giants list him as questionable on their final injury report and put the tight end through a pregame workout before making a final decision on his active status ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday.

Waller (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

After he was designated for return from injured reserve earlier Thursday, Waller stepped back on the practice field for the first time since tweaking his right hamstring in a 13-10 overtime loss to the Jets back in Week 8. Though Waller suggested earlier in the week that he's hopeful to play Sunday in New Orleans, his availability for the game may be contingent on him practicing fully Friday. If Waller is cleared to play this weekend, the Giants would have to activate the tight end from IR by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.

The Giants designated Waller (hamstring) for return from injured reserve Thursday.

The transaction officially opens a 21-day window wherein Waller can take part in practices for the first time since he injured his right hamstring in a 13-10 overtime loss to the Jets on Oct. 29. According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, Waller expressed optimism Wednesday that he would be ready to make return to game action Sunday versus the Saints, but the Giants' coaching and medical staff will likely wait and see how he fares in practices over the next two days before deciding on his status for the team's Week 15 contest. While Waller has been sidelined for the past five games, Daniel Bellinger has stepped in as the Giants' top tight end and has produced a 11-138-0 receiving line on 12 targets during that span.

Waller (hamstring) said Wednesday that he hopes to return to practice this week, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Waller resumed running routes last Tuesday and appears to have avoided any setbacks. It isn't clear if he'll be back for Sunday's game against New Orleans, but it does seem he'll play again this season -- something that wasn't considered a given when the Giants placed him on injured reserve in early November. A three-game winning streak has the Giants sitting just one game out of a wild-card spot at 5-8, albeit with five 6-7 teams ahead of them in a tie for the NFC's seventh seed.

Waller (hamstring) relayed to Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record that he ran routes Tuesday for the first time since he was placed on injured reserve after Week 8.

Because he's missed the minimum four games on IR, Waller is eligible to be designated for return at any point, but the Giants have yet to make that transaction. Coach Brian Daboll said Tuesday that Waller is "making progress" in his recovery but wouldn't commit to the tight end being available for Monday's game versus the Packers, per Dan Salomone of the team's official site. If Waller remains out Week 14, Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager will handle TE reps for New York.

Coach Brian Daboll relayed Tuesday that Waller is "making progress" with his right hamstring injury, but he said "no" with regard to the tight end's potential to return for Monday's game against the Packers, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

That's not to say the Giants may designate Waller for return from injured reserve this week if they feel he's able to mix into drills, a decision that would open a 21-day window for him to get back on the active roster. He has missed the minimum four games on IR in order to be activated, but New York appears as if it'll continue to roll with Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager at tight end for the foreseeable future.

Waller (hamstring) said Tuesday he's "still kinda in the early phases" of his recovery process, Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic reports.

Waller has already missed two of the requisite minimum four games to return from IR, but it sounds like his recovery process may not be completed by early December, when he will first be eligible to be activated. The veteran tight end said he's already resumed jogging, but that running at full speed and cutting are tasks what will need to be worked on in the coming weeks. With Daniel Jones (knee - ACL) already done for the year and Giants sitting at a 2-8 record, the team has little incentive to rush Waller back on the field until he's truly 100 percent healthy.

Waller (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Fantasy managers should have been tipped off on this outcome when it was reported earlier this week Waller's absence could extend multiple weeks. It's a difficult bit of luck considering the veteran finally seemed to be finding his stride despite a myriad of quarterback issues following Daniel Jones' neck injury. While the starting quarterback is now back after his own multi-game absence, Daniel Bellinger will likely see more opportunities in Waller's absence, which will extend into the beginning of December.

Coach Brian Daboll noted Thursday that Waller (right hamstring) will miss Sunday's game against the Raiders, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Jordan Raanan of ESPN previously noted that Waller could be facing a multi-week absence and the fact that the tight end has already deemed out for Week 9 action indicates that his status beyond this weekend is cloudy. As long as Waller is sidelined, Daniel Bellinger is in line to see an uptick in snaps.

Waller said Wednesday that his current hamstring injury may sideline him for "weeks" as opposed to "days," Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Per Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site, Waller officially went down as a non-participant at Wednesday's practice. Considering his comments, Waller's absence likely will extend for the entirety of Week 9 prep and threaten his availability for Sunday's game at Las Vegas and beyond. If Waller misses time, Daniel Bellinger would be the clear-cut beneficiary among Giants tight ends.

Coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday that Waller (hamstring) will not be on the practice field, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Walled was forced out of Sunday's loss to the Jets with a hamstring injury. It remains to be seen whether the veteran tight end's current injury is related to the hamstring issue he dealt with back in September, but regardless, Waller now has just two chances to retake the practice field ahead of the Giants' matchup against the Raiders on Sunday. Daniel Bellinger will be in line to start at tight end if Waller can't go.

Waller was forced out of Sunday's game against the Jets with a hamstring injury.

Before his departure from the contest, Waller caught one of his two targets for four yards. With Waller done for the day, Daniel Bellinger is slated to handle Giants' Week 8 tight end duties.

Waller (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Jets, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Waller was a limited participant in practice Wednesday through Friday and took a questionable tag into the weekend, but the veteran tight end never appeared in any real danger of sitting out Sunday. With Daniel Bellinger being the lone other active tight end Week 8, Waller should be in store for his typical allotment of snaps while also serving as one of the top pass-catching options for quarterback Tyrod Taylor. While Taylor started both of the previous two contests in place of Daniel Jones (neck), Waller compiled a 12-141-1 receiving line on 15 targets.

Waller (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, with Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com suggesting Friday that he's confident the tight end will play.

Waller is coming off a season-best 8-97-1 receiving line in last week's win over the Commanders and was able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday. He's on track to again serve as the top target for QB Tyrod Taylor, who will make a third consecutive start when the Giants and Jets kick off at 1 ET this Sunday. Fellow quarterback Daniel Jones (neck) still doesn't have medical clearance for contact and appears in serious danger of missing more games beyond Week 8

Waller (hamstring) logged a limited practice Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

With another capped session under his belt this week, Waller has just one more chance to prove the health of his hamstring before the Giants potentially tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's game versus the Jets. If Waller is able to suit up, he likely will be on the receiving end of passes from Tyrod Taylor due to Daniel Jones (neck) not yet being cleared for contact. In two contests working with Taylor, Waller has hauled in 12 of 15 targets for 141 yards and one touchdown.

Waller (hamstring) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Waller previously was plagued by a hamstring issue Weeks 1 and 2, but he played through it and has yet to miss a game as a member of the Giants. Overall, he's put together a respectable 35-380-1 line on 49 targets while working with two different quarterbacks in Daniel Jones (neck) and Tyrod Taylor. Still, Waller's status will be one to monitor as the week goes on to ensure he's on pace to suit up Sunday versus the Jets.

Waller (undisclosed) isn't on the field for the media-access portion of Wednesday's practice, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Coach Brian Daboll said Waller would be a limited participant, suggesting the tight end may still join his teammates once he's done getting treatment for an unspecified injury. Waller is coming off his best fantasy performance of the season, having caught seven of eight targets for 98 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 14-7 win over the Commanders. The Giants don't sound too worried about their star tight end's availability for a matchup with the Jets this Sunday.

Waller caught seven of eight targets for 98 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 14-7 win over the Commanders.

The tight end led the Giants in catches, receiving yards and targets on the day, and he scored his first TD of the season on a 15-yard grab from Tyrod Taylor in the second quarter. Waller's role in the offense is growing, and he's posted a 20-227-1 line on 26 targets over the last three games while working with two different QBs. If Daniel Jones (neck) returns to the lineup in Week 8 against the Jets, it won't have an impact on Waller's fantasy upside.

Waller (groin) finished with five receptions on eight targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 14-9 loss to the Bills.

Waller was able to suit up for Sunday's primetime matchup after picking up a groin injury in last week's loss to Miami. The 29-year-old did not appear limited by his injury, producing his third game with five or more receptions this season. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor nearly connected with his tight end for a touchdown in the closing moments of Sunday's loss, but the pass went off of Waller's outstretched fingertips before hitting grass. The play did draw a pass interference flag, but the Giants squandered the ensuing play as time expired. Waller will attempt to score that elusive first touchdown of 2023 when the Giants host the Commanders next Sunday.

Waller (groin) is active for Sunday's contest at Buffalo, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Despite sitting out Wednesday's practice due to a groin injury, Waller was considered "day-to-day" by coach Brian Daboll, per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. Indeed, Waller was able to log capped sessions Thursday and Friday before the Giants listed him as questionable for Week 6 action. Adam Schefter of ESPN then reported early Sunday that Waller was in line to play Sunday, and indeed that has come to pass. Waller has a tough task ahead of him against a Buffalo defense that has allowed a cumulative 19-156-0 line on 27 targets to tight ends in five games this season.

Waller (groin), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Buffalo, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Waller missed practice Wednesday before logging back-to-back limited sessions to close out the week, so this report adds to the view that he will play. However, fantasy managers should nonetheless keep an eye on the situation heading into Sunday's 8:20 ET kickoff. With QB Daniel Jones (neck) ruled out and the offensive line decimated by injuries, Waller won't exactly be in the best position to put up big numbers.

Waller (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Buffalo, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Waller missed practice Wednesday before logging back-to-back limited sessions to close out the week. He seems to be one of the less-injured guys among the slew of Giants players listed on the Week 6 injury report, but fantasy managers should nonetheless keep an eye on the situation heading into Sunday and an 8:15 ET kickoff. With QB Daniel Jones (neck) ruled out and the offensive line decimated by injuries, Waller won't exactly be in the best position to put up big numbers -- and that's before accounting for Buffalo's famed safety duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer

Waller (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Waller's activity level marks a step forward from Wednesday, when he was held out of the Giants' first Week 6 practice session entirely. According to Tom Rock of Newsday, Waller attributed his absence Wednesday to being part of a "rest protocol," and the tight end said that he expects to suit up Sunday against the Bills. If Waller is to avoid entering the weekend without an injury designation, he'll likely need to turn in a full practice Friday.

Waller (groin) is slated to practice Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Per Tom Rock of Newsday, Waller sat out Wednesday's session as part of a planned rest protocol, so the tight end's return to the field Thursday was expected. The Giants' upcoming injury report will reveal Waller's official participation level.

Waller (groin) expects to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice, Tom Rock of Newsday Sports reports.

Waller described Wednesday's absence as part of the "rest protocol" for his groin injury, adding that he expects to both practice Thursday and suit up Sunday against the Bills. If the veteran tight end's assessment proves correct, he could still shed his injury designation before Sunday's game, but Waller's fantasy managers will wait with bated breath until that point, especially with limited replacement options available since the Giants will be playing on SNF.

Coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday that Waller (groin) won't practice and is day-to-day, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Waller is coming off a season-best effort during Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, in which he secured eight of 11 targets for 86 yards, but it seems he also picked up a groin injury in the process. He will have two more chances to get back on the practice field before the Giants' matchup against the Bills on Sunday Night Football in Week 6. Quarterback Daniel Jones (neck) also missed practice Wednesday and has been labeled day-to-day.

Waller brought in eight of 11 targets for 86 yards in the Giants' 31-16 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

The veteran tight end put together his best across-the-board performance of the season, but unfortunately for the Giants, it came in yet another loss for New York. Waller led the team in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the afternoon, and all three figures were season highs. Despite the positive individual numbers, the Giants' outlook appears increasingly bleak, and Waller now faces the prospect of going into a tough road matchup against the Bills in Week 6 with quarterback Daniel Jones (neck) potentially sidelined.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Thursday that the coaching staff "can do a better job" of implementing play calls for Waller, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

When New York acquired Waller in the offseason, it was with an eye on making him a central part of the team's passing game. That was the case in a Week 2 victory against Arizona, when the veteran tight end totaled 76 yards on six catches, but he's been to held to exactly three receptions and no more than 36 yards in the team's other three contests (all losses). Part of the lack of production has been due to poor play on the part of the Giants' offensive line, which has resulted in Waller working as a blocker more often than anticipated while also limiting quarterback Daniel Jones' time to get the ball downfield. Though Waller hasn't yet put up the type of numbers fantasy managers who drafted him as a top-five tight end may have anticipated, the good news is that New York's coaching staff appears intent on getting him more involved, which could lead to more production as the season progresses.

Waller caught all three of his targets for 21 yards in Monday's 24-3 loss to the Seahawks.

Waller was targeted on only one of Daniel Jones' 17 first-half passes. His second target didn't come until less than six minutes remained in the fourth quarter. The 31-year-old tight end may have lost a step, as he's reached 40 yards only once through four games with Big Blue and has yet to find the end zone heading into a Week 5 trip to Miami.

Waller secured three of six targets for 20 yards in the Giants' 30-12 loss to the 49ers on Thursday night.

Waller co-led the team in targets but finished with his lowest yardage total in the first three games of the season. The veteran tight end was also the intended target on Daniel Jones' final pass of the night, one that resulted in an interception by the 49ers' Talanoa Hufanga with 3:48 remaining. Waller's production will naturally be inexorably tied to Jones moving forward, particularly concerning when considering how poorly the quarterback has played for all but the second half of the Week 2 comeback win over the Cardinals.

Waller caught six of eight targets for 76 yards in Sunday's 31-28 win over Arizona.

He doubled his catch total from his Giants debut the week before, as the passing game finally sprung to life in the second half Sunday while overcoming a 20-0 deficit. Waller tied Saquon Barkley (ankle) for the team lead in receptions, and Daniel Jones could look the tight end's way frequently again Thursday night against a 49ers defense that just gave up over 300 passing yards to Matthew Stafford without allowing a reception longer than 20 yards.

Waller (hamstring/rest) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Arizona, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Things were trending in this direction after Waller made it through Week 1 without aggravating the hamstring and had 'rest' added to his Week 2 injury report. He caught three passes for 36 yards in the first half of a 40-0 loss to the Cowboys last week but then barely played after halftime. Waller did play 89 percent of snaps in the first half, most among New York's skill-position players, with the offense centering on him and RB Saquon Barkley until things got out of hand. A matchup with the lowly Cardinals should provide those two and the rest of the offense with better opportunities to score fantasy points, even if standout left tackle Andrew Thomas (questionable - hamstring) doesn't end up playing.

Coach Brian Daboll told reporters Friday that Waller (hamstring/rest) "moved around good" during Thursday's practice, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Waller was listed as questionable last week and looked perfectly healthy, playing 89 percent of snaps in the first half while accounting for 36 of the Giants' receiving yards before the break. He didn't play much after halftime with the Cowboys up big on the Giants, but the addition of the word 'rest' on the Week 2 injury report suggests he came out of the opener without aggravating his hamstring. Waller is on track to play this Sunday at Arizona and probably won't have to worry about his team getting blown out this week.

Waller (hamstring/rest) was limited at Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

After getting Wednesday off to rest his balky hamstring, Waller returned to the practice field one day later, albeit in a limited capacity like was when he showed up on the Week 1 injury report last Friday. He told Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com on Thursday "I'm playing" Sunday at Arizona, and the tight end doesn't expect his hamstring to be a long-term issue. In the end, Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not Waller goes into the weekend with a designation.

Waller (hamstring/rest) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Waller's lack of activity to kick off Week 2 preparations may be a combination veteran's rest day and also to avoid any sort of setback with the hamstring injury that left him questionable for the season opener. In this past Sunday's 40-0 loss to the Cowboys, he shared TE duties with Daniel Bellinger, logging 38 (of 70) offensive snaps to the latter's 44 while Lawrence Cager received 25 himself. And Waller paced all Giants in receiving yards with 36 on his three catches. In any case, his status bears watching as the week goes on.

Waller caught three of five targets for 36 yards in Sunday's 40-0 loss to the Cowboys.

Waller's 36 receiving yards wound up being the top total any Giants player could muster, highlighting just how poorly the entire team played to open the season on Sunday Night Football. While the results weren't great, the vertical threat's usage bodes well for his prospects this season with little competition at the tight end position. Waller -- who was dealing with a tight hamstring prior starting Sunday's loss -- will have to stay healthy in order to deliver on the potential he possesses as a fantasy option.

Waller (hamstring) is listed as active Sunday versus the Cowboys, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

After making a sudden appearance on the Giants' injury report Friday, Waller took a questionable designation into the weekend due to a hamstring injury. Initially, he was considered 50/50 to be able to suit up for the season opener, but the tide turned Sunday morning, when Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that there was an expectation the tight end would be active. Indeed, that has come to pass, but the breakdown of TE reps between Waller, Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager remains to be seen.

Waller (hamstring) is expected to suit up for Sunday night's divisional matchup against the Cowboys, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Waller popped up on New York's injury report with a hamstring issue Friday, and while he initially looked to be truly 50/50 for Sunday Night Football, the expectation now is that the veteran tight end will take the field. That bodes well for Daniel Jones and the passing game, given that Waller could well be slated to operate as the Giants' go-to receiver as he works to bounce back from a couple injury-plagued campaigns. Official word on Waller's status will come prior to Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.

Waller (hamstring) appears truly questionable for Sunday night against Dallas, with the Giants needing to see how he responds the next couple days after Friday's practice, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

The Giants added Waller to their injury report at the end of the week, listing him as a limited practice participant Friday and questionable for the season opener Sunday. A Week 1 absence for the Giants' new tight end would leave Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager to handle TE snaps while likely pushing more of the team's targets to the wide receivers and RB Saquon Barkley. It sounds like a game-time decision is in play here, which wouldn't be ideal for fantasy managers with the late kickoff in primetime.

Waller is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys due to a hamstring injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Since joining the Giants in March, Waller has avoided the injury bug that plagued him the last two seasons and didn't show up on the Giants' Week 1 injury report until Friday, when he was deemed a limited practice participant. The development could indicate a practice-related health concern, but his status now is murky ahead of Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. Considering the late start time, there won't be many great TEs to turn to if he's unable to suit up, but the in-house options are Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager, the latter of whom was cleared for the season opener after tending to an ankle issue.

Waller caught three of four targets for 30 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Panthers.

The former Raider tight end was the intended target for Daniel Jones' first three passes of the night, and Waller checked out of the game when Jones did after the Giants' first possession. However, it was Daniel Bellinger who caught Jones' four-yard TD pass to cap that drive. Waller is looking to rebound after a couple injury-plagued campaigns, and while his early connection with Jones is encouraging, his usage in the red zone and at the goal-line could ultimately determine whether he's able to produce the kind of numbers he did in his career-best 2020 season.

Waller isn't expected to play in Friday night's preseason opener against the Lions, The Athletic's Dan Duggan reports.

This isn't surprising at all, considering the Giants have been careful to give Waller plenty of rest this summer after he's battled injuries in recent years. Lawrence Cager should see plenty of run at tight end Friday. Waller is the favorite to pace the Giants in targets and catches in 2023.

Waller has drawn rave reviews for his performance in training camp with the Giants, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

Waller has quickly established himself as the favorite target for Daniel Jones. The veteran tight end has consistently gotten open over the middle, where the risk-averse Jones likes to place most of his throws. After acquiring Waller from the Raiders in an offseason trade, the Giants are ecstatic with what they have seen so far from the two time 1,100-yard receiver.

The Raiders are trading Waller to the Giants in exchange for the 100th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Even if he can't regain his 2019-20 peak form, Waller should be a huge upgrade for a Giants offense that got less than 600 yards out of all its tight ends combined last season. The 30-year-old Raider had only 388 yards in nine games during an injury-riddled 2022, but he topped 60 yards per game in three straight seasons before that and remains one of the NFL's better athletes at tight end. The relatively light trade compensation can at least partially be explained by Waller's contract, which comes with base salaries of at least $10.5 million for each of the next four seasons, though the Raiders have already paid out most of his guarantees. This is excellent news for QB Daniel Jones and a huge blow to the 2023 fantasy prospects of second-year TE Daniel Bellinger. The Raiders, meanwhile, are set to rely on their wide receivers to carry the passing game after reaching terms with Jakobi Meyers earlier Tuesday.

Waller recorded two receptions on six targets for 35 yards in Saturday's 31-13 loss to the Chiefs.

Waller saw his highest target total since Week 2, though he lacked rapport with Jarrett Stidham to post a disappointing stat line. Waller did manage to account for the Raiders' longest play from scrimmage with a 24-yard reception early in the second quarter -- his seventh gain of 20 or more yards in his last four games. After suffering through an injury-plagued season, Waller will be back in Las Vegas in 2023.

Waller corralled three of five targets for 72 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss to the 49ers.

Waller got the offense kickstarted with a 24-yard touchdown reception on the team's opening drive. The athletic tight end could have had his first 100-yard receiving game of the season had he not dropped a tough ball that Jarrett Stidham launched over the secondary late in the game. Nonetheless, it was Waller's best fantasy point output this season, and it came as the result of the coaching staff changing quarterbacks this week. The Georgia Tech product's deep-play ability combined with Stidham's strong arm could lead to more positive results against the Chiefs in Week 18.

Waller gathered in four of five targets for 58 yards during Saturday's 13-10 defeat in Pittsburgh.

In his second outing back after logging eight consecutive DNPs due to a hamstring issue, Waller paced the Raiders in catches and receiving yards while finishing third in targets. The performance was a small bright spot in a passing game that managed just 143 net yards, which was aided by a game-high 34-yard gain that helped set up a successful Daniel Carlson field-goal attempt just before halftime. Waller's outlook for Week 17 doesn't look great, either, with the 49ers' No. 1 ranked defense coming to Las Vegas on Sunday, Jan. 1.

Waller caught all three of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-24 win over the Patriots.

Seeing his first action since Week 5 after recovering from hamstring issues, the tight end was eased into the lineup and split reps with Foster Moreau, but Waller still made an impact by catching a 25-yard TD from Derek Carr in the second quarter. With the injury further behind him, Waller's volume could grow in Week 16 against a Steelers defense that's been stingy lately against TEs.

Waller (hamstring) has been activated from IR in advance of Sunday's game against the Patriots.

The return of Waller, who last suited up Week 5, will bolster the 5-8 Raiders' passing attack ahead of the team's last four games. In his looming return to the mix, Waller should reclaim his starting role ahead of Foster Moreau, who had been filling in as Las Vegas' top TE. Prior to being sidelined, Waller logged a 16-175-1 line on 24 targets in five games, but assuming no setbacks, the 30-year-old should see enough volume down the stretch to yield fantasy utility.

Coach Josh McDaniels wouldn't commit either way on potentially activating Waller (hamstring) for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN reports.

Waller was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, but the Raiders are under no obligation to bring the tight end back this week. McDaniels wants to see how Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (oblique) hold up in practice Friday before making a decision on either pass catcher. If Waller's activated for his first action since Week 5, he would have plenty of upside against a Patriots defense that's allowed eight touchdowns to tight ends. Should Waller remain sidelined, Foster Moreau would presumably draw another start.

The Raiders designated Waller (hamstring) and WR Hunter Renfrow (oblique) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This opens a 21-day window in which Waller and Renfrow can practice with their teammates without counting against the roster limit. They won't be included on the official practice reports while technically still on IR, but updates from Raiders beat writers throughout the week could provide some clue about whether one of both of the veteran pass catchers is on track to be activated before Sunday's game against New England.

Waller (hamstring) told Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com on Tuesday that he's "on track" to be activated from injured reserve next week and perhaps suit up Week 15 against the Patriots.

Waller's comment seemingly rule him out from playing in this Thursday's game at the Rams, especially because the Raiders have yet to designate him for return from IR. He's been sidelined since Week 5 due to a strained left hamstring, which has allowed Foster Moreau to serve as the team's No. 1 tight end since a Week 6 bye.

Waller (hamstring) is eligible to return from injured reserve for the Raiders' Week 14 game against the Rams, but head coach Josh McDaniels suggested the tight end may not be cleared to play by then, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

After the Raiders face the Chargers on Sunday, Las Vegas faces a quick turnaround for the Dec. 8 matchup with the Rams, which falls on a Thursday. While McDaniels said Waller is getting "close" to a return, the coach indicated that the short window between the Weeks 13 and 14 games could make it tough for the 30-year-old to prove the left hamstring strain is behind him. Waller hadn't played since Week 5 before being placed on IR ahead of Week 10, so his streak of absences is set to reach seven games Sunday. Foster Moreau will be in store for at least one more turn as the Raiders' top tight end, and likely an additional one next Thursday if McDaniels' prediction about Waller's status comes to pass.

Waller (hamstring) has been officially placed on IR by the Raiders.

Waller will thus miss at least four games, with his next chance to suit up for a game being Dec. 8, when the Raiders take on the Rams in Week 14. While Waller is out, Foster Moreau is in line to serve as the Raiders' top tight end, a role that gives him a degree of fantasy utility in the coming weeks.

The Raiders plan to place Waller (hamstring) on IR, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

We'll await official confirmation of the anticipated move, but Schefter notes that the tight end aggravated his hamstring issue and the hope is that an IR stint will give Waller the time he needs to heal up ahead of the Raiders' stretch run. In his looming absence, Foster Moreau is in line to see an expanded role in the team's passing offense.

Waller (hamstring) remained limited at practice Wednesday, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Waller has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury, and his status for Sunday's game against the Colts has yet to be determined. "Hopefully, we take another step forward," coach Josh McDaniels said of the tight end on Wednesday. "It's very difficult to predict some of these things...muscles are always a little tricky, especially for a player that his No. 1 skill, one of his certain top traits, obviously, is his ability to run and open up and go." If Waller is unable to return to action this weekend, Foster Moreau would be in line to continue to see added snaps in Week 10.

Waller (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Even though Waller managed limited participation in practice all week before taking a questionable tag into Sunday, the Raiders are choosing to exercise caution by holding the tight end for a third consecutive game. Waller hasn't experienced any reported setbacks in his recovery from the injury, but Las Vegas is seemingly fearful that having the 30-year-old play at less than 100 percent health could result in an aggravation that would sideline him for a longer period of time. Foster Moreau should continue to serve as the Raiders' top tight end this week, but Waller should have a decent chance at making it back for Las Vegas' Week 10 matchup with the Colts if he remains free of setbacks during the team's upcoming practices.

Waller (hamstring) is a true game-time decision for Sunday's contest against the Jaguars, and the Raiders could opt for caution, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Waller, who is officially listed as questionable, is reportedly closing in on a return after having been sidelined since Week 5 due to a hamstring injury. Rapoport notes that Las Vegas' primary concern is an aggravation for Waller if he retakes the field before being 100 percent healthy, so while the standout tight end's status will need to be monitored as Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff nears, fantasy managers may want to consider Foster Moreau as a potential pivot option.

Waller (hamstring), officially listed as questionable, is unlikely to play Sunday against the Jaguars, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Waller logged three limited practice sessions during the week but is still not fully healthy according to Schefter. As a result, Waller is likely to miss his third consecutive game. In the two games that Waller has missed, Foster Moreau has racked up 14 targets and could be in line for a significant role once again against Jacksonville.

Waller (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars after practicing in a limited fashion this week, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

"He's working extremely hard to try to get back as soon as he can," coach Josh McDaniels said of Waller, who has missed two straight contests. "I know that, and nobody wants to play quicker than Darren does." Fortunately for those considering the Raiders' top tight end in Week 9 fantasy lineups, the team kicks off at 1:00 ET on Sunday. If Waller remains out or is limited this weekend, added snaps and targets would once again be available for Foster Moreau.

Waller (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Waller practiced in a limited capacity all of last week before sitting out the Raiders' eventual 24-0 loss to the Saints, so he may need to upgrade to full activity Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into Sunday's game in Jacksonville. If Waller ends up sitting out Week 9 or is available only in a limited capacity, Foster Moreau could continue to take on an expanded role at tight end.

Waller (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Waller was a limited participant all last week and listed as questionable, ultimately missing the 24-0 loss to New Orleans. He at least seems to be avoiding setbacks, and a return to full participation by the end of the week would have him on track for Sunday's game in Jacksonville.

Waller (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Saints.

With Waller set to miss his second straight game, Foster Moreau is once again in line to handle added TE reps for the Raiders in Week 8, a context that resulted in him catching three of his five targets for 28 yards in last weekend's 38-20 win over the Texans. Waller will thus target a potential return to action in Week 9 versus the Jaguars.

Waller (hamstring) is not in line to play Sunday against the Saints, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Official confirmation of the tight end's status will arrive once the Raiders' Week 8 inactives are posted ahead of Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff, but it looks like Waller is in line to be sidelined, which paves the way for Foster Moreau to see added snaps versus New Orleans.

Waller (hamstring), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in New Orleans, will test his injury in pregame warmups before the Raiders decide on his status, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The Raiders are seemingly treating Waller as a game-time call leading up to the contest's 1 p.m. ET start time, with more clarity on the tight end's status likely to arrive when the team releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to kickoff. If Waller finds himself inactive or if he suits up Sunday but is available only in a limited capacity, Foster Moreau would be in line to play the majority of the snaps at tight end.

Waller (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints after practicing in a limited fashion this week, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Waller, who didn't practice at all last week and was inactive for the team's Week 7 win over the Texans, thus has a chance to return to action in New Orleans. On the plus side for those considering the tight end in Week 8 fantasy lineups, the Raiders kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Waller (hamstring) remained limited at practice Thursday, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Back-to-back limited practices have Waller trending toward a potential return to action Sunday against the Saints, but the tight end presumably will need to return to a full practice Friday in order to head into the weekend minus a Week 8 injury designation.

Waller (hamstring) returned to a limited practice Wednesday, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Waller didn't practice last week before being ruled out ahead of this past Sunday's win over the Texans. The tight end's return to a limited session Wednesday bodes well for his chances of returning to action this weekend against the Saints, but he'll presumably need to log a full practice by the end of the week in order to avoid a Week 8 injury designation.

Waller (hamstring) will return to practice Wednesday, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Waller likely will be a limited participant after not practicing at all last week and missing a 38-20 win over Houston. His availability at the beginning of the week hints at a return for Sunday's game in New Orleans, though he'll still need to make it through practice without suffering a setback -- no guarantee when dealing with a hamstring injury, especially after he dealt with a similar issue this July/August.

Waller (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Waller, who didn't practice this week, will thus target a potential return to action in Week 8 versus the Saints. In his absence this weekend, look for Foster Moreau -- who doesn't carry a Week 7 injury designation -- to handle added tight ends snaps and targets versus Houston.

Waller (hamstring) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Back-to-back practice absences don't bode particularly well for Waller's status for Sunday's game against the Texans, but he'll have one more chance to get in some work before the Raiders' final Week 7 injury report comes out. If he's out or limited this weekend, Foster Moreau is a candidate to see added work against Houston if he's able to move past a knee injury that has sidelined him of late and limited him during Wednesday's session.

Waller (hamstring) isn't practicing Wednesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Coach Josh McDaniel said he hopes to have Waller and Foster Moreau (knee) available for Sunday's game against Houston, but McDaniel cautioned that he wasn't ready to make a prediction on it actually happening. Moreau reportedly practiced during the Week 6 bye and now is practicing Wednesday, while Waller still hasn't returned.

Waller (hamstring) was seen in street clothes on the Raiders' sideline and will not return to Monday's game against the Chiefs, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Waller will finish Week 5 without a catch after exiting with a hamstring injury during the first half Monday. The star tight end now will have two weeks to recover before Las Vegas' next game against the Texans on Sunday, Oct. 23. With Waller out and Foster Moreau (knee) inactive, expect Jesper Horsted to step in as the Raiders' No. 1 tight end.

Waller (hamstring) is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Chiefs, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Waller did not record a catch before exiting during the first half of Monday's game with a hamstring injury. The star tight end was limited during practice this week with a shoulder injury, but he managed to return during last Friday's walkthrough sessions. Waller came into Week 5 with 16 receptions (24 targets) for 175 yards and a touchdown through four games, and his absence could send more targets toward wideouts Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow.

Waller (shoulder) was listed as a full participant in Friday's walk-through practice, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

After logging a limited session Thursday, Waller's full listing Friday puts him on track to head the Raiders' tight end corps Monday night against Kansas City. Four games into the 2022 season, Waller has maintained fantasy utility by averaging four catches, six targets and 43.8 receiving yards per contest to go along with one TD.

Waller (shoulder) was limited at practice Thursday, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Per Tashan Reed of The Athletic, Waller sported a red (non-contact) jersey Wednesday, but by Thursday the tight end was able to practice without the non-contact jersey. Waller now has two more chances to upgrade to full practice participation ahead of Monday night's game against Kansas City, which he'll presumably need to do in order to avoid a Week 5 injury designation.

Waller caught three of five targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 32-23 win over the Broncos.

Davante Adams dominated the Las Vegas passing game in this one and was on the other end of almost 54 percent of Derek Carr's passing yards, but Waller's usage remains disappointing after he signed a big contract extension right before the season began. He's seen six targets or less in three of four games so far and has managed only 48 yards over the last two contests, but the tight end may need to step up his production significantly in Week 5 against Kansas City.

Waller recorded three receptions on five targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Titans.

Waller finished tied for fourth in targets, and backup tight end Foster Moreau matched him. It was expected that passing volume would condense around Waller and Davante Adams with Hunter Renfrow (concussion) out. Instead, Mack Hollins led the team in targets, receptions and yards. It was a poor performance for Waller, but he still has 13 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown through three games this season.

Waller caught six passes for 50 yards and one touchdown on eight targets against Arizona on Sunday.

Quarterback Derek Carr struggled somewhat in this game, keeping Waller's production contained in the otherwise sizeable target volume. Waller, Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow should continue to see nearly all of the Raiders' wide receiver routes, helping boost their target volume in each case despite the competition posed by the other two. Waller and the Raiders face Tennessee in Week 3.

Waller caught four passes for 79 yards on six targets against the Chargers on Sunday.

Waller did his part and his box score is clean at a glance, but he didn't get involved until late in the game, catching three of his four receptions in the fourth quarter. The Raiders were rewarded a loss for this approach, so perhaps they might try to get Waller going earlier in future games after Davante Adams claimed 17 of Vegas' 35 targets. The Raiders face Arizona in Week 2.

Waller agreed to three-year, $51 million contract extension Saturday with the Raiders, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The new deal keeps the Pro Bowler with the Raiders through the 2027 season, but more importantly pays Waller among the upper echelon of players at his position. The 30-year-old missed a solid chunk of training camp and preseason with a hamstring injury that some suggested could have been a way to enact a stealth holdout, but the issue was resolved just before the end of August with Waller practicing at full health over the last two weeks. Expect the star pass catcher to once again see a lion's share of the targets even with All-Pro wideout Davante Adams now in the fold.

Waller (hamstring) is not listed on the Raiders' Week 1 injury report.

Waller missed time in training camp and the preseason as he contended with a hamstring issue, but the Raiders' clear-cut top tight end approaches Sunday's season opener against the Chargers minus an injury designation. As a result, Waller figures to see his share of Week 1 targets from QB Derek Carr, with wideouts Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow also candidates to be featured heavily in the Las Vegas passing game this coming season.

Coach Josh McDaniels said Waller (hamstring) will practice Wednesday, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Waller missed most of training camp and all of the preseason, seemingly practicing only a few times since late July. There's also been talk of a contract extension, though it isn't necessarily a factor in Waller's availability. He'll have a week and a half to get ready for the Raiders' season opener against the Chargers.

Waller (undisclosed), who didn't participate in joint practices with the Patriots this week, won't play in Friday's preseason finale versus New England, Tashan Reed and Vic Tafurof The Athletic report.

After missing six practices due to a hamstring injury, the tight end returned to the field last Wednesday, but he has since missed the Raiders' past three sessions. While it's unclear if Waller had a setback with his hamstring, or is dealing with another issue, coach Josh McDaniels indicated this Wednesday that he's "not concerned" about Waller's status. While that sounds somewhat encouraging, McDaniels fell short of declaring that Waller will be available in Week 1. "He's doing everything he can to get out there as soon as he can be," McDaniels noted. "And I don't want to make a prediction on whether he will or won't be ready here in a few weeks. I see him every day. He's in every meeting. He's doing everything he can to get out there as fast as possible." As long as Waller is sidelined, Foster Moreau is next in line for Las Vegas' TE reps.

Coach Josh McDaniels indicated Wednesday that he isn't concerned about Waller's (undisclosed) continued absence, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports. "He's doing everything he can to get back out there," McDaniels noted of the tight end. "I see him every day. He's in every meeting."

That said, Tashan Reed of The Athletic relays that McDaniels declined to make a prediction about Waller's status for the Raiders' regular season opener against the Chargers. Given that, it seems safe to say that the team's clear-cut top TE is unlikely to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Patriots.

Waller (undisclosed) isn't practicing Tuesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Waller missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury before returning to practice last Wednesday. He's now out again, though it could be maintenance rather than a setback or new injury. Either way, it's impacting Waller's fantasy value, with his ADP dropping in recent weeks as the Raiders have declined to provide any detail on the injury. Josh McDaniel seems to take after mentor Bill Belichick in that regard, at least.

Waller (undisclosed) sat out Thursday's practice, Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Waller, who had been previously been dealing with reported hamstring injury, returned to a limited session Wednesday, so it's possible that his absence from Thursday's practice is maintenance-related, rather than indicative of a setback. The tight end's status for Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins is unclear, but if he's less than 100 percent at this stage, Waller could be held out for precautionary purposes.

Waller (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Waller had been held out of practice with a hamstring issue that Adam Schefter of ESPN previously noted wasn't considered serious. Now that he's back on the field, the Raiders' clear-cut top tight end will have an opportunity to reestablish his key role in a passing offense that added star wideout Davante Adams to the mix this offseason.

Waller has been missing time in training camp due to a hamstring injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Schefter notes that the tight end's hamstring issue is not considered serious, while Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com relays that it appears as though Waller could return to practice next week. With that in mind, it seems safe to assume that Waller won't be available for Sunday's preseason contest against the Vikings.

Waller (undisclosed) told Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com he should be ready to practice next week.

Waller has been out since at least the beginning of August, presumably with an undisclosed injury. It sounds like he doesn't consider it serious, but fantasy managers will still feel much better once he actually gets back on the practice field. Waller won't be playing in Sunday's preseason game against Minnesota.

Waller (undisclosed) remained sidelined at Monday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Reed also noted that coach Josh McDaniels hasn't provided specifics about the tight end's injury issue. With that in mind, consider Waller day-to-day in advance of Sunday's preseason game against the Vikings.

Waller (undisclosed) sat out Thursday's Hall of Fame Game win over the Jaguars, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Waller missed multiple practices leading up to Thursday's game with an undisclosed injury, and he would have very likely sat out the exhibition opener anyhow even if he'd been at full health. The veteran tight end fell short of a third consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2021, but he's still believed to be a priority for a long-term extension in the near future.

Waller (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at Monday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

The tight end was also absent from Sunday's session, so until added information regarding the nature of his absence is provided, we'll consider Waller day-to-day ahead of Thursday's Hall of Fame Game versus the Jaguars.

Waller reported to training camp and isn't holding out, though his contract may need to be addressed soon, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Waller has two years remaining on his contract, with base salaries of $6.25 million in both 2022 and 2023. That makes him one of the better bargains in the league apart from players on rookie contracts -- a result of signing an extension fairly early on in his 2019 breakout season. Waller then had an even better year in 2020 (1,196 yards, nine TDs), before injuries limited him to 11 games and 665 yards last season. He'll turn 30 in September, but it won't come as any surprise if the Raiders give him an extension or pay raise to increase his compensation for the upcoming season. Waller does have more target competition than in past years, following Hunter Renfrow's 2021 breakout and the Raiders' offseason trade for Davante Adams.

Waller caught seven passes for 76 yards on 12 targets against Cincinnati on Saturday.

The season is over for the Raiders in light of this 26-19 loss, but Waller played well for his own part and served as the main engine of the Raiders passing game. Waller is under contract for two more years but is majorly underpaid, so it will be interesting to see if he and the Raiders revisit the terms of his compensation, but Waller in any case projects for another big season in 2022.

Waller (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation for Saturday's playoff game against the Bengals after being listed as a limited practice participant this week, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

In his first game action since Week 12, Waller logged 62 of a possible 80 snaps on offense in this past Sunday's 35-32 overtime win over the Chargers en route to recording two receptions on nine targets for 22 yards. Now that he's further removed from his extended layoff, look for the star tight end to continue to see his share of targets this weekend, with improved efficiency a reasonable expectation for Waller, who finished the regular season with a 55/665/2 stat line (on 93 targets) in 11 contests.

Waller (knee) is listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's practice report, with the Raiders holding a walkthrough for the second straight day as they prepare for Saturday's contest in Cincinnati.

Waller returned for the overtime win over the Chargers on Sunday night -- catching two of nine targets for 22 yards -- and now figures to suit up for the wild-card round on short rest. He wasn't at his best in his first game back, but he did play close to his normal allotment of snaps (78 percent), and he had a big game earlier this season against Saturday's opponent (7-116-0 in a 31-13 loss to the Bengals in Week 11).

Waller (knee) was limited at Tuesday's walkthrough, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Waller made his long-awaited return from a five-game absence this past Sunday against the Chargers, and while he approached his typical offensive snap share (78 percent) he hauled in just two of nine targets for 22 yards. The tight end may need more on-field reps to put his IT band strain further in the rearview mirror, but he'll kick off prep for Saturday's wild-card game in Cincinnati with a cap on his reps, as he did all of last week. Thursday's injury report may clear up Waller's status entirely for the Las Vegas' postseason opener.

Waller (knee) had two receptions (nine targets) for 22 yards in Sunday's 35-32 win over the Chargers.

Waller was able to return from a five-game layoff and help the Raiders clinch an unlikely playoff berth. The athletic tight end was understandably rusty and likely did not play at full strength. It was a disappointing season for Waller overall, as injuries and some poor outings resulted in 55 receptions, 665 yards and just two touchdowns over 11 contests. There were no reports of the 28-year-old suffering any setbacks to his balky knee, but we will have to wait for practice reports to confirm his availability for next week's wild-card round against the Bengals. Cincinnati did allow the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, so Waller could make for a sneaky DFS option if his price is suppressed by Week 18's fizzling performance.

Waller (knee) is listed as active for Sunday night's game against the Chargers.

Following league-wide developments earlier in the day, both Las Vegas and Los Angeles are fighting for a playoff spot in the final game of the NFL's regular-season slate. In that context, Waller will give it a go for the first time since Week 12, and even if he's somewhat limited following a long layoff, his return no doubt is a welcome development for the Raiders' Week 18 passing attack. The talented tight end checks back into the team's lineup with averages of 5.3 catches (on 8.4 targets) for 64.3 yards per game while scoring two touchdowns in 10 appearances on the campaign.

Waller (knee), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers, is expected to play, Dianna Russini of ESPN reports.

Las Vegas will need a win over the Chargers, a tie with the Chargers plus a Colts loss, or losses by the Colts and Steelers to secure a playoff berth, so the team will likely to everything it can to field its best lineup for Week 18. With that in mind, Waller looks like he'll at least try to give it a go after he was sidelined for each of the Raiders' last five games with the knee injury. Following his reinstatement Wednesday from the reserve/COVID-19 list, Waller was listed as a limited participant in three consecutive practices. While that signals that he's likely still less than 100 percent healthy, Waller's presence in the lineup Sunday in any capacity would be a welcome development for the Derek Carr-led passing attack. Those planning on deploying Waller in DFS lineups or in season-long leagues that are still active for Week 18 won't get official word on his availability until the Raiders release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.

Waller (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Chargers, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Waller seemed to be closing in on a Week 17 return following his bout with a strained IT band, but he landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list instead due to a positive test for the virus last Wednesday. He cleared league protocols this Wednesday and logged three limited sessions after that, but his status remains up in the air this weekend. Interim coach Rich Basaccia said a decision on Waller will depend on "where his cardio is" and "the reps that he gets" in practice, seemingly giving him a chance to play for the first time since Thanksgiving Day at Dallas. When it comes to considering the tight end in lineups, though, the Raiders are playing in the last game in the Week 18 slate, with a kickoff of 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, making it difficult to pivot to another option if Waller misses a sixth consecutive outing.

Waller (knee) was listed as limited again on Thursday's practice estimate, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Waller, who last suited up in Week 12, has now been listed as limited in the Raiders' two walkthroughs this week due to a knee issue, so what he's able to do Friday should add a degree of clarity with regard to the tight end's chances of suiting up for Sunday night's 8:20 ET kickoff versus the Chargers.

Waller (knee/back) has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, the tight end -- who last suited up in Week 12 -- logged a limited practice Wednesday. With that, Waller is trending in the right direction as Sunday's regular season finale against the Chargers approaches, but he'd presumably need to practice fully by Friday in order to avoid a Week 18 injury designation.

Interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said that he expects Waller (knee) to rejoin the Raiders for Wednesday's walk-through practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports. "And hopefully if we get him in Wednesday's practice, he feels a little bit better about how it feels when he moves around, then we'll be really excited about what Thursday and Friday could possibly look like," Bisaccia said of the tight end, who hasn't played since the Raiders' Thanksgiving Day win over the Cowboys due to a strained knee.

Waller also tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday and remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he's expected to be activated in the next day or two after he completed a post-cardiac workouts with doctors Monday. Because Waller has missed the team's last five games, the Raiders will likely need the full week of practices to evaluate where the tight end stands in his recovery from the knee injury, leaving his status for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Chargers up in the air. Waller's potential return to the lineup in any capacity would be a major boon for the playoff-hopeful Raiders, who can clinch a postseason berth with a win or a Colts loss to Jacksonville.

Waller (knee/back) remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list in advance of Sunday's game against the Colts.

Until Waller, who had been dealing with knee and back issues prior to being placed on the list, clears the NFL's COVID protocols, Foster Moreau is slated to head the Raiders' tight end corps, with Nick Bowers and Daniel Helm in reserve.

Waller has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Raiders.

Waller, who had been dealing with knee and back injuries, now has to clear COVID protocols in addition to overcoming those two issues in order to be able to play again. As long as he remains sidelined, Foster Moreau will continue to lead the Raiders' tight end corps.

Waller, who had been dealing with knee and back issues, has reportedly entered COVID protocols, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com.

There had been some hope that Waller might return to practice Wednesday, but now that he's poised to land on the reserve/COVID-19 list, he now evidently has another hurdle to clear in advance of Sunday's game against the Colts.

Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said he has some optimism that Waller (knee/back) will able to take part in Wednesday's walk-through practice in some fashion, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Bisaccia made his comments after receiving feedback Monday from trainers, who worked with Waller while he rehabbed at the team's facility. Waller's pair of injuries have prevented him from practicing in any capacity since he exited early in the Raiders' Thanksgiving Day win over the Cowboys, with the star tight end missing each of the four games that followed. Due to the length of his absence, Waller will likely need to put in at least of few days of practice activity this week to have a realistic shot at suiting up for Sunday's game in Indianapolis.

Waller (knee/back) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

The Raiders deemed Waller doubtful for the contest after he didn't practice this past week, and he's now slated to miss his fourth straight game. In his continued absence, Foster Moreau will continue to head the team's tight end corps in Week 16.

Waller (knee/back) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos after being listed as a non-participant at practice this past week, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Meanwhile, Foster Moreau (abdomen/thigh) doesn't carry a Week 16 injury designation which sets the stage for him to continue to head the Raiders' tight end corps versus Denver, assuming Waller is unavailable. Given his doubtful designation, Waller is trending toward inactive status, though Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com relays that on Friday interim coach Rich Bisaccia left a bit of an open window open for the tight end to make an appearance this weekend. "It's been tedious progress. I'm not confident but I always want to leave it up to [Waller], to some degree. If he feels like he runs a little bit better, maybe tomorrow afternoon's workout, if he has a chance on Sunday to go, then we'll certainly let him go."

Waller (knee/back) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's walkthrough, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Back-to-back listed 'DNPs' don't bode well for Waller's chances of returning to action Sunday against the Broncos, but he has one more chance to make a practice appearance this week. If he remains out, Foster Moreau (abdomen/thigh) would presumably be in line to head the Raiders' Week 16 tight end corps.

Waller (knee/back) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's walkthrough, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

It's not the greatest sign that Waller, who last suited up for a game Nov. 25, isn't ready to practice, but he still has two more chances to take the field in advance of Sunday's game against the Broncos. If Waller remains sidelined, however, Foster Moreau would be in line to continue to head the Raiders' Week 16 tight end corps, provided his listed abdomen and thigh issues (he was classified as limited Wednesday) don't impact his playing status.

Waller (knee/back) remains listed as out for Monday's game against the Browns.

The Raiders had ruled the tight end out earlier in the week, when the game was originally scheduled for Saturday. However, as Vic Tafur of The Athletic notes, the extra two days did not provide either Waller, Denzel Perryman (ankle) or Trayvon Mullen (toe) with enough time for the team to consider upgrading their Week 15 status'. Foster Moreau therefore remains in line to head Las Vegas' TE corps versus Cleveland.

Waller (knee/back) won't play play Saturday against the Browns, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com and Josh Dubow of the Associated Press report.

Tashan Reed of The Athletic relays via interim coach Rich Bisaccia that Waller is dealing with some lingering pain in his knee and while the tight end is making progress, he's not ready for game action at this stage. Waller's next chance to suit up will arrive Dec. 26, when the Raiders face the Broncos. Next up for the team's TE snaps this weekend, assuming he's active, is Foster Moreau (abdomen).

Waller (knee/back) was spotted working out with athletic trainers off to the side of Thursday's practice, Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

While the activity seemingly marks a step forward for Waller in his recovery from the strained knee he suffered in the Raiders' Thanksgiving Day win over the Browns, he still looks destined to go down as a non-participant on the team's final Week 15 injury report. If that's the case, Waller will likely take an "out" or "doubtful" tag into Saturday's game in Cleveland, almost certainly resulting in him missing a third consecutive contest. Foster Moreau (abdomen) has logged heavily snap shares in place of Waller the past two games and has collected nine targets along the way, but slot maven Hunter Renfrow (22-219-1 receiving line on 24 targets) has arguably benefited more from the absence of the star tight end.

Waller (knee/back) is listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The Raiders didn't actually practice, same as Tuesday, leaving Thursday as Waller's only chance to get on the field this week. Interim coach Rich Bisaccia referred to the tight end as questionable earlier this week, but it isn't looking especially promising for Waller as the Raiders prepare for Saturday's game against the Browns. Backup tight end Foster Moreau (abdomen) was listed as a limited participant Tuesday and Wednesday.

Waller (knee/back) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated practice report, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Waller hasn't practiced since straining his knee back on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas. Per Gutierrez, interim coach Rich Bisaccia called Waller "questionable" for Week 15 action Monday, but he may begin to trend in the wrong direction again as long as he stays away from the field. Ultimately, Waller likely will have to mix into one of the Raiders' remaining sessions Wednesday or Thursday to put himself on a path to play for the first time since Week 12. Fellow TE Foster Moreau (abdomen) was limited at Tuesday's walkthrough, leaving Daniel Helm as the only healthy player at the position on the active roster.

Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said Monday that he's viewing Waller (knee) as questionable ahead of the team's Week 15 game in Cleveland on Saturday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Bisaccia described Waller as day-to-day early on last week, only for the tight end to miss a second consecutive game on account of a strained knee. Waller didn't practice in any capacity last week before being ruled out ahead of the Raiders' loss to the Chiefs, so he'll likely need to get back on the field as at least a limited participant by Thursday before taking a designation into Saturday's contest. Las Vegas is at less-than-optimal health at tight end, as Bisaccia relayed that Waller's replacement in the lineup the past two weeks, Foster Moreau, strained a muscle in Kansas City.

Waller (knee/back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Kansas City, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Waller was unable to practice this week, which sets the stage for him to miss his second straight game. In his continued absence, Foster Moreau will once again see added opportunities in Las Vegas' passing game in Week 14.

Waller (knee/back) remained sidelined for Thursday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Back-to-back absences don't bode well for Waller's chances of returning to action to action Sunday against Kansas City, with Friday's injury report destined to add clarity with regard to the tight end's Week 14 status. If Waller is out or limited this weekend, Foster Moreau will continue to see added opportunities in the Raiders offense.

Waller (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia referred to Waller as day-to-day on Monday, perhaps sparking hope for a Wednesday return to practice. It won't play out that way, giving Waller two more chances to get on the field before Sunday's game in Kansas City. Fill-in tight end Foster Moreau played 89 and 85 percent of snaps for the Raiders the past two weeks, catching two of eight targets for 37 yards.

Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia labeled Waller (knee/back) as day-to-day Monday, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

The day-to-day label is a notable change for Waller, whom Bisaccia characterized as week-to-week with the pair of injuries when he met with the media seven days ago. Waller ultimately sat out Sunday's 17-15 loss to Washington after failing to practice last week, but he looks like he'll have a chance at making it back to the lineup for the Raiders' Week 14 game in Kansas City. Waller's availability against the Chiefs will likely hinge on what he's able to do on the practice field Wednesday through Friday.

Waller (back/knee) was ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against Washington, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Not much of a surprise given Waller was initially listed as doubtful following Friday's final injury report. Foster Moreau now steps in as the Raiders' top tight end and figures to be a crucial part of the offense considering the third-year LSU product had his best game (6-60-1) in the absence of Waller.

Waller (back/knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's 4:05 ET game against Washington, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Waller was unable to practice this week and is thus trending toward inactive status Sunday. Assuming that's the case, Foster Moreau would be in line to serve as the Raiders' top pass-catching tight end in Week 13, a context that would make him a viable streaming option in fantasy lineups. When Waller was sidelined in Week 7 against the Eagles, Moreau played 100 percent of the team's offensive snaps and caught all six of his targets for 60 yards and a TD.

Waller (back/knee) remained sidelined at practice Friday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

That's not a surprise with interim head coach Rich Bisaccia having previously labelled the tight end as "week-to-week," per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. Waller is thus trending toward being officially ruled out later Friday and if that's the case, Foster Moreau will see an expanded pass-catching role Sunday against Washington.

Waller (knee) remained a spectator for Thursday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Now that he's missed the Raiders' first two Week 13 practices in addition to having interim head coach Rich Bisaccia label him as "week-to-week," Waller is trending toward missing his second game of the season Sunday against Washington. Assuming Waller continues to sit out practice Friday, he'll likely be officially ruled out in advance of the weekend, paving the way for Foster Moreau to fill in for him as the Raiders' starting tight end. When Waller was sidelined with an ankle injury in a Week 7 game against the Eagles, Moreau played 100 percent of the offensive snaps and reeled in six passes for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Waller (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

As expected, one day after interim coach Rich Bisaccia referred to the tight end as week-to-week. Between Bisaccia's comment and Wednesday's practice absence, Waller isn't looking good for the game against Washington this Sunday. Backup tight end Foster Moreau caught only one of five targets for three yards in the Thanksgiving win over Dallas, but he put up a 6-60-1 receiving line with 100 percent snap share back in Week 7 when Waller missed a game against the Eagles with an ankle injury.

Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said Monday that Waller (knee) is considered "week-to-week," Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. "I know Waller improved the first day [after suffering the knee injury Thanksgiving Day] and now we'll see how the rest of the week goes," Bisaccia said.

Bisaccia isn't closing the door on Waller suiting up this weekend against Washington, but the fact that the tight end is being labeled as week-to-week suggests he's likely trending toward his second absence of the season. Waller was diagnosed with a strained knee after exiting in the first half of the Raiders' 36-33 overtime win over the Cowboys last Thursday, playing just 22 percent of the offensive snaps while hauling in two of five targets for 33 yards. Foster Moreau would be in line to start at tight end and take on a heavy snap share Week 13 in the likely event Waller is inactive for the contest.

Waller underwent an MRI on his knee Friday, which revealed a strained IT band, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Waller left Thursday's win at Dallas on two occasions and eventually was ruled out of the contest, ending Week 12 with a pair of catches for 33 yards on five targets. It's unclear if the injury will result in time away from the field, but the Raiders have more than a week to prepare for their next game Sunday, Dec. 5 against Washington. Foster Moreau is the next man up at tight end for Las Vegas, while Daniel Helm also is on the active roster.

Waller was forced out of Thursday's game against the Cowboys with a knee injury.

Prior to his exit, Waller caught two of his five targets for 33 yards. In his absence, Foster Moreau is next in line for the Raiders' tight end targets.

Waller caught seven of eight targets for 116 yards in Sunday's 32-13 loss to the Bengals.

The tight end accounted for over half of Derek Carr's passing yards on the day as Waller hit triple digits for the first time since Week 1. He might have had an even bigger performance from a fantasy perspective, but No. 2 TE Foster Moreau was on the other end of a 19-yard score from Carr in the fourth quarter instead. Waller has an 18-232-0 line on 26 targets in three games since the Raiders' bye, and he'll look to carry that momentum into a Thanksgiving Day clash with the Cowboys.

Waller had four receptions (seven targets) for 24 yards in Sunday's 41-14 loss to Kansas City.

This was Waller's worst fantasy performance though eight starts this season. The Chiefs were clearly shading extra coverage the tight end's way, especially once the game script forced the Raiders to become one-dimensional. The recent addition of vertical threat DeSean Jackson (one catch for 38 yards) could help take the pressure off of Waller as the veteran gets more integrated into the offensive gameplan. Next Sunday's opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, currently allow the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Waller recorded seven receptions on 11 targets for 92 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Giants.

Waller returned from a one-game absence and reached double-digit targets for the first time since Week 1 as the Raiders tried to claw their way back from small deficits throughout the game. He also provided a number of big plays -- highlighted by receptions of 24, 20 and 19 yards -- to top 90 yards in a game for only the second time this season. Waller remains well off his pace of production from the 2020 campaign, though he is still a focal point of the Raiders' offense.

Waller (ankle) is not listed on the Raiders' Week 9 injury report.

Waller, who was a late addition to the team's Week 7 injury report, ended up missing Las Vegas' Oct. 24 win over Philadelphia, but it appears as though he has recovered from his ankle issue following the Raiders' Week 8 bye. With Waller on track to reclaim his starting tight end position Sunday against the Giants, Foster Moreau -- who logged a 6/60/1 stat line versus the Eagles -- figures to return to a complementary role in Week 9.

Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said Waller (ankle) is day to day and will remain in Las Vegas during the team's Week 8 bye to receive further treatment, Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Prior reports have classified the injury that kept Waller out of Sunday's 33-22 win over the Eagles as an inner ankle/heel strain, and while the team hasn't confirmed that diagnosis, Bisaccia noted that the tight end isn't believed to have suffered any structural damage. The fact that the Raiders are describing Waller as day to day rather than week to week seemingly bodes well for his chances of being ready to go following a well-timed Week 8 bye. Foster Moreau (six receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown on six targets) filled in capably as the team's starting tight end Week 7, but the Las Vegas offense would surely benefit from having its top pass catcher in Waller available for a Week 9 matchup with the Giants on Nov. 7.

Waller (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

After being added to the Raiders' injury report Saturday, Waller -- who has recorded a team-leading 33 catches (on 53 targets) for 378 yards and two TDs in six games to date -- approached Sunday's contest viewed as a game-time decision. Evidently, things didn't go as hoped for the tight end in pre-game warmups and he'll sit this one out. In his absence, Foster Moreau is in line for added opportunities in Las Vegas' Week 7 passing attack, while Waller will target a potential return to action after his team's bye week, when the Raiders face the Giants on the road on Nov. 7.

Waller, who was added to the Raiders' injury report Saturday as questionable with an ankle injury, is viewed as a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The report notes that the tight end strained his inner ankle and heel during Friday's practice, and it now looks like his Week 7 status hinges on how he feels during pre-game warmups. If Waller is limited or out versus Philadelphia, Foster Moreau would be in line to see added opportunities in the Raiders' passing offense. Given that Las Vegas kicks off at 4:05 ET on Sunday, ideally those considering Waller in fantasy lineups will have an alternate option (from players among the NFL's later games) in place should he end up missing the contest.

Waller was downgraded to questionable for Sunday's game due to an ankle injury, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

It's obviously not a good sign Waller was downgraded, but the questionable designation does leave some room for optimism for fantasy managers. At this juncture it's too early to say what this mean's for the star tight end's availability entering Sunday's contest against the Eagles, but more information regarding the injury should be available well before the 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

Waller caught five receptions for 59 yards on five targets against Denver on Sunday.

It's a slightly disappointing output relative to the extremely high expectations Waller has earned at this point, but he was automatic on his five targets and did well with what was within his control. The Raiders might have looked to him more if they didn't protect an early lead all game -- a game flow that led Derek Carr to attempt just 27 passes after attempting at least 34 in every other 2021 game to this point. As Carr's pass attempt volume goes back upward so too should Waller's target count. The Raiders take on the Eagles in Week 7.

Waller (rest/knee) practiced in full Thursday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

After getting Wednesday off to rest up his knee, Waller was back in his usual capacity one day later as the Raiders' top tight end and No. 1 pass catcher. Even though he's fallen well shy of the whopping 19 targets he saw in the season opener, he's still garnered seven or eight in each of the ensuing four games for a combined 18-214-1 line on 29 targets. Waller can expect a similar workload Sunday against the Broncos' sixth-ranked pass defense (207 yards per game allowed).

Waller didn't practice Wednesday due to rest and a knee issue, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

The key to Waller's absence is rest, so there's less concern than normal for a sudden DNP on the injury report. Still, his activity level will continue to be monitored to ensure there's no worry about his availability for Sunday's divisional matchup at Denver.

Waller isn't at practice Wednesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Waller wasn't visibly injured during Sunday's 20-9 loss to the Bears, but it's nonetheless possible he came out of the game with an issue. He did play 96 percent of available offensive snaps in the contest, catching four of eight targets for 45 yards.

Waller caught four of seven targets for 50 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 28-14 loss to the Chargers.

Waller's first target didn't come until the second quarter, setting the stage for a relatively quiet night by the Pro-Bowler's standards. Fortunately, though, Waller still made a significant contribution in the form of a towering, three-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter, pulling the Raiders to within one score at the time. Despite not topping five catches or 65 yards since Week 1, Waller remains Las Vegas' most important target in the passing game, and he'll strive to help the team get back to winning ways Sunday versus the Bears.

Waller caught five of seven targets for 54 yards in Sunday's 31-28 overtime win over the Dolphins.

The tight end was just one of the boys in this one, as six different Raiders saw between five and seven targets and caught between three and five passes. Derek Carr's success spreading the ball around has capped Waller's production in consecutive games, but he remains one of the top options -- if not the No. 1 option -- in what has been a dynamic Las Vegas passing attack so far in 2021. Waller's weekly ceiling remains sky high heading into a Week 4 clash with the Chargers.

Waller recorded five receptions on seven targets for 65 yards in Sunday's Week 2 win over the Steelers.

Waller turned in a solid performance, but it was a disappointment relative to his explosive Week 1 effort. Even so, he matched Henry Ruggs and Hunter Renfrow to lead the team in targets and provided chunk gains of 25, 13 and 10 yards. Opposing teams are likely to focus a lot of attention towards Waller, though if Ruggs continues to beat defenses deep, Waller could find more room to operate.

Waller caught 10 of 19 targets for 105 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 33-27 overtime win against the Ravens.

Waller was targeted early and often, but he took a while to get going, with a couple of drops hurting his performance initially. However, once he found his rhythm, Waller consistently took advantage of man coverage, racking up the looks from quarterback Derek Carr. The star tight end comfortably led the Raiders in all major receiving categories, adding an exclamation point with a 10-yard touchdown to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Coming off his first Pro-Bowl campaign, Waller's display Monday only added to the expectation that he's in for another huge year.

Waller will not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Waller recently returned to practice from a minor ankle issue, but the team is still playing it safe with their star tight end. That makes plenty of sense given that the Raiders' offense will run primarily through him come the regular season. Among the tight end corps, Foster Moreau is also not expected to play Saturday.

Waller (ankle) returned to practice Tuesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

A report last week from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Waller likely would've been available to play had Saturday's preseason opener against Seattle been a regular-season contest. The tight end missed two weeks of practice but should still be plenty comfortable catching passes from QB Derek Carr in coach Jon Gruden's offense. Coming off back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons, Waller is most often picked in the second round of fantasy drafts.

The Raiders are not overly concerned about Waller's ankle injury, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.

Waller would likely be available to suit up if the Raiders had a regular-season game this weekend, rather than a preseason matchup with negligible impact, according to Fowler. The team simply appears to be taking a cautious approach to the start tight end's health, which is a prudent strategy considering his importance on offense as quarterback Derek Carr's most trusted target. Even if Waller does end up sitting out Saturday's exhibition matchup against Seattle, he will have plenty of time to get back on the field before the Raiders' regular-season opener against Baltimore on Sept. 13.

Waller (undisclosed) was spotted working out with a trainer on the side during Tuesday's practice, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

The tight end isn't ready to practice just yet, but appears to be inching his way back to re-taking the field before too long. At this stage consider Waller day-to-day as Saturday's preseason opener against Seattle approaches.

There's an expectation Waller (undisclosed) returns to practice "soon," Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Sidelined from back-to-back training camp sessions earlier this week, Waller seemingly is tending to an unknown injury or ailment, which will be behind him in short order. Over the last two seasons, he's established himself as one of the most reliable performers at tight end, averaging 6.2 catches on 8.2 targets for 73.2 yards yards per game while scoring 12 touchdowns in 32 contests.

Waller is absent from a second straight practice Wednesday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

A player of Waller's stature might get a day off just for maintenance, but two days in a row hints at an injury or ailment of some sort. The star tight end played all 16 games in 2019 and 2020, topping 1,100 receiving yards both times.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce told NFL Films that Waller is "knocking at the door," adding that he can "feel [Waller] on my heels."

Kelce remains widely acknowledged as the cream of the crop at his position, but he knows Waller and 49ers tight end George Kittle aren't far behind. Waller even reached a new level over the final five weeks of last season, averaging 8.6 catches for 130.8 yards and 0.8 touchdowns on 11.0 targets per game. He'll again be the top receiving threat in Las Vegas, where John Brown, Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards and Hunter Renfrow top the depth chart at wide receiver.

Waller caught nine of 10 targets for 117 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 32-31 win over the Broncos.

The tight end was nearly unstoppable over the final five weeks of the season, piling up a 43-654-4 line on 55 targets, and Waller wraps up 2020 with career highs in catches (107), yards (1,196) and TDs (10). The 28-year-old has emerged the last two years as Derek Carr's favorite option in the Raiders passing game, and while the team's crop of young wideouts could take a big step forward next year, Waller still figures to be the team's most dangerous receiver.

Waller secured five of six targets for 112 yards during Saturday's 26-25 loss to the Dolphins.

Had Miami not been able to pull out an improbable win in the final 20 seconds, Dolphins cornerback Eric Rowe would have endured even worse nightmares regarding Waller's Week 16 performance. The first-time Pro Bowl tight end logged four separate gains of 19-plus yards on the night, including a marvelous one-handed grab over Rowe in the third quarter. With Las Vegas eliminated from playoff contention given a Week 16 loss, Waller heads into the Raiders' regular-season finale having exceeded 1,000 receiving yards for a second consecutive year. The 28-year-old's eight touchdowns, meanwhile, have already more than doubled his previous career best of three.

Waller brought in nine of 12 targets for 150 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' 27-24 overtime loss to the Chargers on Thursday night.

Derek Carr's late first-quarter exit did nothing to dampen the Pro Bowl tight end's production, as Waller led all pass catchers in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night. The 28-year-old notched Las Vegas' first touchdown of the contest with a 35-yard grab early in the second quarter on a pass from Marcus Mariota, and he continued to connect frequently with the veteran backup throughout the game. Waller now has at least Thursday's nine-catch tally in four games, certainly an impressive feat for a tight end. His remarkable effort against the Chargers also put Waller within 33 yards of a second straight 1,000-yard season, a feat he'll look to accomplish in a Week 16 Saturday night battle versus the Dolphins on Dec. 26.

Waller caught seven of 10 targets for 75 yards during Sunday's 44-27 loss to the Colts.

Waller led the team in targets and catches while finishing second on yards, despite receiving special attention from an elite Indianapolis defense. He averaged just 10.7 yards per catch after his epic 200-yard performance a week ago, but it was still a strong showing from one of the NFL's most productive tight ends. Waller has posted at least 75 yards in three of his last four games, scoring three touchdowns in that span, and he'll look to add to his numbers Thursday against a Chargers defense that has been vulnerable to opposing tight ends this season.

Waller caught 13 of 17 targets for 200 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 31-28 win over the Jets.

Waller was unrecoverable for the porous Jets defense, scoring touchdowns of nine and 38 yards among his eight catches for 123 yards in the first half. He didn't slow down much after halftime, including a 15-yard catch on Vegas' final drive to get the team close enough for Henry Ruggs' game-winning 46-yard touchdown with five seconds left. This was Waller's second game with over 100 yards this season and he's up to seven touchdowns heading into a Week 14 matchup with a Colts team that has defended tight ends well this season.

Waller caught four of seven targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 43-6 loss to the Falcons.

Not even a pass-friendly game script saved Waller from a disappointing fantasy effort Sunday as the Raiders fell behind by 20 points early in the third quarter, but were ultimately kept out of the end zone all day. He's still seen at least one red-zone target in all 11 contests this season, but Waller has caught four passes or less in two of Las Vegas' last three tilts. On a more positive note, another favorable matchup awaits for him in Week 13 against the Jets, who just ceded a pair of touchdowns to Dolphins tight ends Mike Gesicki and Adam Shaheen on Sunday.

Waller hauled in all seven of his targets for 88 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 35-31 loss to Kansas City.

Waller turned in one of the better performances of his season to date after failing to top 50 yards over his previous five contests. Luckily for his fantasy owners, the athletic tight end has been finding his way into the end zone on a semi-regular basis (five scores through 10 games). Derek Carr appeared to break out of his mid-season slump, which can only benefit a dangerous weapon like Waller. A favorable matchup against the Falcons awaits Oakland in Week 12.

Waller secured three of his five targets for 37 receiving yards during Sunday's 37-12 win against the Broncos.

Derek Carr and the Raiders only ended up completing 16 passes on the afternoon, deciding instead to lean upon a second-half lead and a ground attack that averaged 5.0 yards per carry on 41 attempts. Waller paced Las Vegas in both targets and receiving yards during Sunday's divisional win, though within Raiders' 19th-ranked pass attack he's now been held to 50 or fewer receiving yards in five consecutive outings. The touchdown production has been consistent for Waller, however, as he has compiled three over his past five games heading into a Week 11 matchup against the Chiefs' sixth-ranked pass defense.

Waller caught five of 10 targets for 22 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-26 win over the Chargers.

While it wasn't the most efficient performance, Waller did set a new career high with his fourth TD of the season. The tight end has seen double-digit targets three times in eight games as Derek Carr's top option heading into Week 10's clash with a Broncos defense that has only given up two touchdowns to opposition TEs so far this year.

Waller reeled in five of his six targets for 28 receiving yards during Sunday's 16-6 win against the Browns.

Las Vegas managed just 112 yards and one touchdown through the air during Week 8, though the Raiders surely felt emboldened on the ground, ultimately pounding the rock 45 times for 208 yards. Waller at least still garnered a team high in targets, though his receiving total was his lowest of the year other than a two-catch, nine-yard day against New England in Week 3. An upcoming matchup against the Chargers isn't especially encouraging, as Los Angeles entered its Sunday matchup against Denver allowing the sixth-lowest reception total to opposing tight ends (26).

Waller brought in six of nine targets for 50 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' 45-20 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Waller was unsurprisingly heavily involved in a day when Derek Carr put up 36 attempts, with the big tight end drawing nine of those looks to co-lead the team with Nelson Agholor in that category. The 28-year-old's catch total set the pace for the Raiders as well, while his one-yard scoring grab late in the third quarter marked his third in the last five games. Waller's elevated role in the offense should certainly continue in a Week 8 road battle against the Browns.

Waller brought in five of seven targets for 48 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' 40-32 win over the Chiefs on Sunday.

Waller led the Raiders in receptions and targets, and his five-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter began a comeback from a 21-10 deficit. Waller has just two scores on the campaign, but he's already boasting a 34-295 line on 47 targets through five games. The veteran tight end will look to continue surging in Week 7 against the Buccaneers following a Week 6 bye.

Waller (knee) remained limited at practice Thursday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

We haven't heard anything to suggest that the Raiders' pass-catching leader is in any danger of missing Sunday's game against the Chiefs, with Friday's final injury report destined to reveal if Waller heads into the weekend listed as questionable, or minus a Week 5 injury designation.

Waller (knee) was limited at Wednesday's practiceVic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Waller logged 70 0f 74 snaps on offense in this past Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Bills, en route to hauling in nine of his 12 targets for 88 yards. With no reported setbacks in that contest, we'll operate under the assumption that Waller's limitations Wednesday were maintenance-related.

Waller caught nine of 12 targets for 88 yards in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Bills.

He was once again Derek Carr's favorite target, and no other Raider caught more than five passes on the afternoon. Waller appears over the knee issue that may have hampered him last week, and the tight end could see high volume in Week 5 against a Kansas City defense that's allowed two touchdowns to TEs through its first three games.

Waller (knee) caught two of four targets for nine yards in Sunday's 36-20 loss to the Patriots.

While Waller was able to suit up, he seemed to be operating at far less than 100 percent after catching 18 balls over Las Vegas' first two games. If the tight end can get healthier, he should be more involved in Week 4 against the Bills.

Waller (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Waller missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, before returning to a limited session Friday, but assuming no in-game issues, look for the tight end -- who logged a 12/105/1 stat line while being targeted 16 times in this past Monday's win over the Saints -- to continue to be a focal point of the Raiders' offense in Week 3.

Waller (knee) is expected to play Sunday at New England, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Waller sat out the first two practices of the week before working as a limited participant Friday to earn the questionable tag, and he's likely to suit up against the Patriots. RB Josh Jacobs (hip) is also expected to play, which would provide the Raiders with their top two offensive weapons.

Waller (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

The tight end missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, before returning to a limited session Friday. The same applies to starting running back Josh Jacobs (hip). It's possible that the Raiders were simply exercising caution with a pair of key playmakers, but either way the duo's Week 3 availability will be clarified in advance of the first wave of Sunday's kickoffs, thanks to the team's 1:00 ET starting time.

Waller (knee) was seen stretching at the start of Friday's practice, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Held out of the first two practices of Week 3 prep due to a knee injury, Waller appears as if he'll fit in at least a limited session Friday. Look for his status to receive some clarity when the Raiders post their last practice report of the week.

Waller (knee) wasn't spotted at the start of Thursday's practice, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Waller was also listed as a non-participant Wednesday on the Raiders' estimated practice report, so his status is worth monitoring in advance of Sunday's game against the Patriots. The same scenario also applies to top back Josh Jacobs (hip), and it's possible that the team is simply managing the reps of a pair of key offensive cogs. What the duo is able to do Friday, will thus be pivotal with regard to their Week 3 status'.

Waller (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation.

As was running back Josh Jacobs (hip), but both were busy in Monday night's win over the Saints, and it's quite possible that the duo will be back at practice Thursday, as the Raiders prepare for Sunday's road game against the Patriots. Waller caught 12 of his 16 targets for 103 yards and a TD against New Orleans, while logging 74 of a possible 80 snaps on offense.

Waller caught 12 of 16 targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 34-24 win over the Saints.

Waller tormented New Orleans all night, as Las Vegas took full advantage of the mismatches he created in different parts of the field. He repeatedly helped the Raiders move the sticks, coming close to a career high in receptions. In the end, Waller comfortably led his team in all major receiving categories, with his one-yard touchdown grab on fourth down marking a key play in the second half. After such a dominating display, Waller will hope to keep his momentum going in Week 3 against the Patriots.

Waller hauled in six receptions on eight targets for a total of 45 yards in Week 1 against the Panthers.

Waller led the team in targets with eight, but failed to convert that into production. His longest reception of the day went for just eight yards, and he averaged only 4.6 yards per target. Still, Waller remained the top option for Derek Carr, even with the addition of several young targets such as Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards. That bodes well for better results in future weeks, including Week 2 against the Saints.

Waller has looked good in training camp, with Raiders defenders consistently struggling to cover him one-on-one, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Waller avoided any setbacks with the thumb injury that required surgery in late December. He'll have more competition for targets after the Raiders signed Jason Witten and drafted Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards, but it's still Waller who has the best odds to lead the team in pass-catching volume. Even if he doesn't quite match the 117 targets he saw during his breakout 2019 campaign, Waller should be a reliable fantasy starter at tight end.

Waller has been training in Las Vegas with a large group of Raiders teammates, Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Waller appears to have made a seamless recovery from thumb surgery in late December. He's looking to build on his 2019 breakout, but he'll be facing tougher competition for targets after the Raiders added Jason Witten, Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards this offseason. Waller is still a reasonable bet to lead the team in catches and targets, considering he hauled in 76.9 percent of his chances for 9.8 YPT last year. There is a chance he loses some early down snaps to Witten, but it's far from a sure thing.

Waller (foot) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers after practicing fully Friday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Waller was added to the Raiders' Week 7 injury report after being limited at practice Thursday, but he'll be a go Sunday, which is good news for the team's passing attack, given that top wideout Tyrell Williams (foot) will remained sidelined this weekend. Five games into his 2019 season, Waller has racked up 37 catches (on 42 targets) for 359 yards, numbers that make him a startable fantasy tight end and also recently earned him a multi-year contract extension with the Raiders, worth about $9 million per season, according to Gutierrez.

Waller is a candidate for extra targets in Sunday's Week 5 tilt against the Bears in London with wideouts Tyrell Williams (foot), J.J. Nelson (knee) and Dwayne Harris (ankle) all declared inactive for the contest.

The breakout tight end has seen no fewer than seven targets in any contest, and given the multiple absences and the relative inexperience of the receiver set to step up, Waller could be closer to the season-high 14 looks he saw in Week 3 against the Vikings. The one damper on the possible increased opportunity is naturally a Bears defense that's allowed an average of just 5.5 fantasy points per game to tight ends in standard scoring formats.

Waller could be in line for another significant target share in a Week 4 tilt against the Colts with wideouts J.J. Nelson (coach's decision) and Dwayne Harris (ankle) declared inactive for the contest.

It would be difficult for Waller to top the 14 targets he saw Week 3 against the Vikings, but the pair of absences in the wideout corps at least up the chances he reaches double-digit looks once again. Waller has arguably functioned as a 1-A receiver in the Raiders offense through the first three games anyhow, having brought in an impressive 26 of 29 targets for 267 yards. He'll also be drawing a favorable matchup Sunday, considering the Colts have allowed an 18-181-2 line to tight ends over their first three games.

Waller (shoulder) got the start and caught one of two targets for seven yards in Thursday's preseason win over the Cardinals.

Oakland's first snap featured two tight ends and a fullback, with Waller, Foster Moreau and Alec Ingold joining halfback Josh Jacobs and wideout Tyrell Williams. Starting quarterback Derek Carr only threw two passes -- one to Williams and one to fellow wideout Ryan Grant. Despite the modest performance, Waller still appears on track for the top pass-catching role at tight end, if for no other reason than a lack of competition. He's listed in the top spot on Oakland's preseason depth chart, followed by Moreau, Derek Carrier and Luke Willson, in that order.