Raiders’ TE Darren Waller is questionable for Week 9 against the Jaguars with a hamstring injury.
Waller hasn’t played since Week 5. Las Vegas’ bye was in Week 6 and he missed Weeks 7 and 8 with the hamstring injury. He didn’t practice at all in Week 7 but managed to be a limited participant in Week 8. This week is the same, where he’s been limited in practice and is questionable for Sunday.
Hamstring injuries have seemingly taken over the NFL, especially among skill-position players. Their incidence has increased over the years and it is now considered the most common NFL injury. These injuries impact skill-position players more because of how the hamstrings work.
The hamstring muscle group consists of the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris, all of which are large muscles that require a lot of energy. They play a major role in running, jumping, acceleration, and agility.
Specifically when it comes to running, the hamstrings are working nonstop. A strained hamstring means the muscle fibers are compromised to some extent. When players try to play through a strained hamstring, they are risking a full tear.
If Waller is able to be a full participant at practice on Friday, it would go a long way to him playing on Sunday. Our algorithm predicts he has reached Optimal Recovery, meaning he should suit up against the Jags.
His Injury Risk is still High, though, at 22%. But his Health Performance Factor is Peak, at 84%. Given Waller’s injury history, it’s possible he is on a snap count if he is active.
