Darren Waller, the tight end for the New York Giants, is set to make his comeback in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, according to a source from ESPN. Waller, who has been on injured reserve for the past five games due to a hamstring injury, had his 21-day window to be activated opened earlier this week. He participated in practice on Thursday and Friday, albeit in a limited capacity. While he was officially listed as questionable, Waller expressed confidence, stating that there were “no issues” during practice and that he felt ready to play on Sunday.
A much-needed boost for the Giants
The New York Giants, currently one game behind the final wild-card spot in the NFC with a record of 5-8, have been on a winning streak with the help of undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito as their quarterback. Despite the success, the absence of their former Pro Bowl tight end, Waller, has been felt. Prior to his injury, Waller had been leading the team with 384 yards receiving. Acquired by the Giants in the offseason through a trade that cost them a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Waller was expected to be a key player and the number one receiver for quarterback Daniel Jones. His return now presents an additional target for DeVito, who began the season on the practice squad.
Waller’s adjustment to a new quarterback
Despite DeVito’s role as the starting quarterback, Waller revealed that he had not caught many passes from the rookie prior to his injury. As he makes his comeback, Waller anticipates a somewhat limited workload, acknowledging that he will not be playing 100% of the offensive snaps as he typically does when healthy. While the specifics of this “pitch count” have yet to be determined, Waller remains optimistic and eager to contribute to the team’s success.
The return of Darren Waller is a much-anticipated event for the New York Giants. His activation off injured reserve brings a boost to their offense and provides another target for rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito. Waller’s past performance and potential make him a valuable asset to the team as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the NFC. While his workload may be somewhat limited initially, Waller’s presence on the field is expected to have a positive impact on the Giants’ performance. As he adjusts to his new quarterback and gradually increases his playing time, Waller’s role will be crucial in enhancing the team’s overall offensive efficiency.
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