Friday update: Waller is officially questionable to play with a hamstring injury. This isn’t great news, as it appeared Waller was just getting management rest for his hamstring. As long as he suits up, I’d play him in fantasy at a weak position, but it will be risky.
Thursday update: Waller returned to practice on Thursday as the team continues to manage his chronic hamstring troubles, per Dan Duggan. As long as things go to plan, it seems like he will be ready to go against the Bills on Sunday night.
Wednesday update: Waller said that his missed practice on Wednesday was part of his rest protocol for a groin injury. He expects to play Sunday.
Darren Waller told @newsdaysports not practicing today was part of the “rest protocol” for his groin injury and he expects the day off will allow him to practice tomorrow and play on Sunday night.
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) October 11, 2023
The New York Giants are in a bad way so far in 2023. They have won one game in five tries and have a point differential of -91! Unfortunately for them, injuries haven’t helped their cause, with multiple offensive linemen hurt and now quarterback Daniel Jones dealing with a neck injury. We can now add tight end Darren Waller to that list, as he won’t practice on Wednesday with a hamstring injury, per Charlotte Carroll.
Waller has a history of hamstring injuries and so far the Giants have a history of resting Waller in practice. This does appear to me a new tweak though, so he’ll likely need to get back to practice soon for a chance to play a full set of snaps in Week 6.
Fantasy football implications for Week 6
Waller came into this season with quite a lot of hype as the Giants No. 1 target, but that hype has now fallen away. Last week we did see some hope though, as Waller finally saw double-digit targets and caught eight for 86 yards. It was his best fantasy day of the year and gives us some hope moving forward if he can stay healthy.
