New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has been on injured reserve (IR) since November 4 with a hamstring issue and has not played since the team’s October 29 overtime loss to the Jets.
Waller’s 21-day practice window has always been believed to begin this week but head coach Brian Daboll said on Wednesday that he’s not quite ready yet.
While Waller is itching to return, he doesn’t intend to rush it. Still, he believes he’s close.
“Just a matter of them opening up the window and I’ll be bat practice,” he told reporters. “So whenever that is, I’ll be out there.”
When Waller does make his return, he doesn’t expect to receive the full bulk of the snaps initially. He’ll likely be eased back into the thick of things.
“I mean, definitely like what I want to do, and what I’ve been used to doing is like 70-80 snaps a game,” he said. “So, coming out the first week, probably not that but as far as a number that’s solid that can contribute in whatever ways he needs me to contribute but also be fresh, assuming that’s realistic but yeah, I plan on contributing given the opportunity.”
Waller’s presence would be a huge help to DeVito and the Giants’ offense. He is still among the team’s receiving leaders despite playing in only eight of the team’s 13 games. He has caught 36 of 52 targets for 384 yards and one touchdown.
His replacements — Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager — have only combined for 18 receptions for 187 yards and a score.
