The Giants could be without the top receiving target for quarterback Daniel Jones when the Cowboys come to call on Sunday, though reports are he’ll be able to play.
Tight end Darren Waller was a surprise add to Friday’s injury report, listed as questionable for Week 1’s divisional game with a hamstring issue. He participated on a limited basis in the team’s final practice of the week.
While some reports out of the Giants’ camp say the team isn’t overly concerned about Waller’s availability come gametime, his absence would put a major crimp in New York’s plan to air out the ball and subsequently allow the Cowboys defense to lean into shutting down Saquon Barkley and the run.
My understanding on TE Darren Waller is there was some hamstring tightness late this week. It’s not solely from an incident at today’s practice. Waller seemed to be moving relatively well at the open portion of Friday’s practice. A positive sign.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 8, 2023
The 6-foot-6-inch Waller had apparently been experiencing tightness in his hamstring over multiple days and did not necessarily suffer an injury on a single play in practice.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also reports that the injury is “not believed to be serious.” The hope is that Waller will be able to go versus Dallas.
There are high expectations for Waller in New York; the former sixth-round draft pick was acquired via trade for the cost of a third-rounder and spent the summer developing a promising connection with Jones.
“He’s a big target,” the quarterback said per Giants Wire. “He runs good routes, creates separation, he’s an easy guy to find. So, yeah, he’s a talented player, smart guy, understands defense, understands where we’re trying to use him and how to get open. He’s extremely versatile.”
But he’s only a threat if he’s on the field. Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager are the other tight ends on New York’s active roster. Tyree Jackson and rookie Ryan Jones are on the practice squad.
Over an eight-year NFL career with the Ravens and Raiders, Waller has played in 74 games, amassing 3,572 yards and 19 touchdowns on 298 catches. He lost a large chunk of his 2015 rookie season to a hamstring injury, and missed some time last year with another hamstring strain.
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